Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/88

 ( 88 ) and sent them out in three divisions, to provide themselves with forage and subsistence in the neighbourhood. But one party was suddenly attacked by the regent and Sir Simon Fraser, and being unprepared, was immediately routed, and pursued with great slaughter. The few that escaped, flying to the second division, gave warning of the approach of the enemy. The soldiers ran to their arms and were im- mediately led on to take revenge for the death of their countrymen. The Scots, elated with the advantage already obtained, made a vigor- ous impression upon them; the English, who were animated with a thirst of vengeance, - maintained a stout resistance: the victory was long undecided, but at last declared in favour of the former, who broke the English ranks, and pursued them to the third division, now advancing with an hasty step, to support their distressed companions. Many of the Scots bad fallen in the two first actions, most of them were wounded, and all of then extremely fatigued, by the long con- tinuance of the combat; yet they were so transported with success, and military rage, that having suddenly recovered their order, and arming the followers of their camp with the spoils of the slaughtered enemy, they drove with fury upon the ranks of the dismayed English. The favourable moment decided the battle, which the Scots, had they met with a steady resistance, were not long able to maintain; the English were chased of the field;