Page:History of the Black Douglas.pdf/14

20 the centre of the Scottish army, and Randolph was placed on the left wing, with strict orders to prevent succours from being thrown into the castle of Stirling. Just before the battle commenced, word was brought to King Robert that a body of English had passed on the road for Stirling. The king, exasperated at the negligence of Sir Thomas Randolph, rode up to him in great fury, exclaiming, "O, Randolph, a rose has fallen from your chaplet!"

Stung with this reproach, Randolph called upon his soldiers to follow him, exclaiming, "My wreath shall bloom, or I shall perish!"

As he advanced, the English, who were ten to one, wheeled round to attack him, and pressed hard on his little band. Douglas saw his jeopardy, and requested the king's permission to succour him. "You shall not move from your ground," cried the king; "let Randolph extricate himself as he best may,—I will not alter my order of battle, and lose the advantage of my position."

"In truth," replied Douglas, "I cannot stand by and see Randolph perish; and, therefore, with your leave, I must aid him."

The king unwillingly consented, and the brave Douglas flew to the assistance of his friend. While approaching, he perceived that Randolph, by his persevering courage, had defeated the enemy. "Halt," cried Douglas, "these brave men have repulsed the enemy, let us not diminish their glory by seeming to share it."

Soon after, the terrible battle of Bannockburn began and the exertions of Sir James Douglas