Page:History of the life and death, of the great warrior Robert Bruce.pdf/19

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places steep and rugged, and the ground between it and Stirling partly covered with wood, he was thus protected from the assault of the English horse. And still more to render this part of their force of little avail, he caused a number of pits to be dug in every part of the field where cavalry could act. Into these spikes and stakes were driven, and the whole carefully concealed by a covering of turf and patches of brushwood. On the 23d of June, it was known that the English were approaching; when Robert, leaving resolved that his troops should fight on foot, drew them up in three lines, having previously given his nephew, Randolph, strong orders to prevent the enemy from throwing succours into Stirling. But 800 horsemen, commanded by Sir Robert Clifford, rode by a long sweep round, and were rapidly approaching the castle when Robert des- cried them. Riding up to Randolph, he cried out with much vehemence and indignation, "Thoughtless man, you have allowed the ene- my to pass!” Randolph instantly perceived the justness of his uncle's rebuke, but had scarcely time to draw up his troops, which he did in a cir- cular form, with their spears presented, when he found himself completely surrounded. His friend Douglas saw his danger, and requested the king's permission to go to his assistance. "You shall not move from your ground," cried the king,