Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/89

 ( 89 ) three victories were thus gained in one : and the roman of these grunt exploits seconded by the favo'. dispositions of the people, soon made the regent master of all the fortresses in the south: and it bezne necessary for Edvard to begin anew the conqacet of the kingdom. He prepurc-himself for this enterprise with His usual vigour and abilities. He assembled both a great feet and a great army: and, entering the frontiers of Scotland, appeared with a forc. which the Scots could think of resisting is the open fi 1. The English navy', which sailed long the coast, secured the argy from any darster of faire: Eduard's Vigiles preserved it to sorprises, and by this patient disposition they marched victori- ous from one extremity of die kin rion to the other,revating the country. There were fux casties, except that of Stirls, to intercept their progress fron the scurherit to the northern territories.. 'Having foreled the Torth, below Stirling, he avoided that pusa and proceeded without opposition or molestation to Brechin- Castle which was defended by a brave garrisen, under the command of the gallant Sir Thomas Maulc. It was closely besieged and assaulted, with all the impetuosity that could be exerted by a numerous army, and such military engines as the art of war employed in that age. In the hottest fury of the assault, Maul showed him- self upon the walls, contemptuously wiping away with a towel, the rubbish which the battering H3 of