Page:History of Sir William Wallace (2).pdf/10

                               10 English were approaching Stirling, he stat- ioned his army upon the northern side of the river Forth, near that town. The English general approached the banks of the river from the southern side; and imagining that Wallace might be induced by fair means to lay down his arms, dis- patched two Friars to the Scottish camp with terms of capitulation.—“ Return,” said Wallace,“ and tell your masters, that we came not here to treat, but to assert our rights, and to set Scotland free. Let them advance, they will find us prepared.”

The English,provoked at this answer, demanded impatiently to be led on to battle.

The Earl of Warren, a brave soldier, remonstrated against making a numerous army pass by a long narrow bridge in pres- ence of the enemy. His advice, however, being rejected by Cressingham, the English army began to pass over; which was no sooner perceived by Wallace, than, before