Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/80

 ( 80 ) It was formerly mentioned, that the jealou- sies and improper conduct of envious nobles constrained him to retire from public transac- tions; and that other regents were chosen in his place. After the fatal battle of Falkirk, the first enterprize of these new regents vs directed against the castle of Stirling, in possession of the English. This fort was of great import- ance, as the principal pass into the Scottish Highlands. Accordingly, Edward no sooner received the intelligence that it was besieged, than he displayed the greatest solicitude to muster an army, which he might lead into Scotland to raise the siege. He appointed his, general rendezvous at Berwick; but his barons refused to accompany him into Scotland, be- cause it was improper in the beginning of winter to undertake an expedition into the dreary regions of Scotland; and also, because they had reason to suspect, that his success in subduing the Scots would, in time, put army into his hands to infringe on their liberties. Thus circumstanced, he was compelled to send orders to the garrison in Stirling castle to capi- tulate with the besiegers. Meanwhile, the Scots had not only pressed the siege with keen ardour, but had also posted a considerable army at Torwood, to intercept any army which might advance from England. The garrison, however, though only consisting of a small troop of sixty archers, repelled the attacks of their enemies, until they were reduced to the greatest extre- rities