Page:History of the life and death, of the great warrior Robert Bruce.pdf/9

 him, and, grappling him round the middle, attempted to stab him with his dirk. Bruce, however, shook the mountaineer from his hold, and as he fell cleft him with his battle-axe from the skull to the chin: he then despatched his companion, whose hands were pinioned by his leg and stirrup to the horse, and, disengaging himself from the dead body, rejoined his men.

The king and his small subsistence; resolved to effect a passage into the north of Ireland, cross- ing over from Argyleshire. In this undertaking he encountered dreadful hardships and dangers. Many of his party were cut off, and the rest so dispirited that they all forsook him, except Sir Gilbert Hay, and a few of their vassals and de- pendants.

In the midst of these distressing cireumstances Robert's natural fortitude and ardour remained unshaken. He encouraged his few faithful fol- lowers with prospects of future success; and, to beguile the heaviness of their gloom, he related the adventures of brave princes and warriors who had triumphed over similar reverses. When this small remnant reached the borders of Lochlo- mond, their progress was arrested from the want of means of conveyance to the opposite shore. An old crazy boat was at last espied by Douglas, and, what between swimming and the aid thus thrown in their way, the whole party got across