Page:History of the Scottish patriot, Sir Wm. Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie.pdf/22

22 renowned Lauder and Seaton, who, during the days of usurpation had fortified themselves in the Bass, upon the intelligence of Wallace’s success issued forth from their retreat, burned North Berwick, and joined Wallace, who proceeded to Peebles, where he was reinforced by the brave Hugh Hay with 50 and Rutherford with 60 men. Just at this time, Dickson, who was dispatched by Sir William Douglas from Sanquhar to request the speedy assistance of Wallace, arrived, and informed him of the imminent danger of his master. Wallace, without a moment’s delay, marched to his aid; the English, who besieged Sanquhar Castle, when they heard of his coming, fled with all possible speed. Being informed of their route, he, with 300 horsemen, leaving Earl Malcolm, who had joined him, to come up with the remaining part of the army, came up with the enemy at Closeburn, and routed them. Upon the appearance of Malcolm, the flight of the English became universal, while the Scots pursued and slew all who came in their way. During the long pursuit, the horses failed through fatigue; the men pursued like lions on foot. While Wallace was thus yielding his sword in defence of his native country, and rapidly effecting her deliverance, Edward, convinced of the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of conquering Wallace by the sword, had recourse, to other measures. In this attempt he employed every man in his power, and every person in his influence; nor did he doubt but those measures, and bribes, and promises, and honours, which gained the services and submission of others, would also, in time, prove successful with Wallace. He accordingly courted Wallace with large and magnificent promises of honour and wealth, places and pension, but all in vain. His constant reply to his friends and the emissaries of Edward who dared to address him on the subject, was, “That he owed his life to, and would willingly lay it down for, his country; that should all Scotchmen but