Page:History of Sir William Wallace the renowned Scottish champion (1).pdf/24



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remind him, that his namesake had betrayed Sir William Wallace, the Champion of Scotland. Edward having thus obtained possession of the person whom he considered as the greatest obsta- cle to his complete conquest of Scotland, resol- ved to make Wallace an example to all Scottish patriots, who should in future venture to oppose his ambitious projects. He caused this gallant defender of his country to be brought to trial in           Westminster-hall, where he was accused of hav- ing been a traitor to the English crown; to which he answered, “I could not he a traitor to Ed- ward, for I was never his subject.” Notwithstanding this most honourable defence, Wallace was shamefully condemned to be exe- cuted as a traitor! and Edward to his infinite reproach and disgrace, ordered Wallace to he           dragged upon a sledge to the place of execution, where his head was struck off, and his body di- vided into four quarters, which, in conformity to           the cruel practice of the time, were exposed upon pikes of iron upon London Bridge,-—his right arm above the bridge at Newcastle,—-his left was sent to Berwick,—-his right foot and limb to           Perth, and his left quarter to Aberdeen,—-and termed the limbs of a traitor! He was executed on the 23d of August, 1305.

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