Page:Life and adventures of Sir William Wallace, General and Governor of Scotland (2).pdf/23

 more flat than they are any where elſe, it was the only place where the enemy could paſs the river in any ſort of order. By means of theſe artificial improvements, join- ed to the natural ſtrength of the ground, the Scotch army ſtood as within an entrenchment, and the inviſible pits and ditches anſwered the concealed batteries of more modern times.

Amongſt the other occurences of this memorable day, hiſtorians mention an accident of a ſingular nature. As the two armies were about to engage. The Abbot of Inchaffery poſting himſelf before the Scots, with a crucifix in his hand, they all fell down upon their knees in the act of devotion.-The enemy obſerving them in ſo uncommon a poſture, concluded that they were frighted into ſubmiſſion, and that, by kneeling, when they, ſhould be ready to fight, they meant to ſurrender at diſcretion, and only to beg their lives; but they were ſoon undeceived, when they ſaw them riſe again, and ſtand to their arms with ſteady countenances.

The Engliſh began the action, by a briſk charge upon the left wing of the Scots commanded by Randolph, near the ſpot, where the bridge is now thrown over the river, at the ſmall village of Charter's hall. Hereabout was the only place where the river could be croſſed in any order. A large body of cavalry advanced to attack him in front, while another fetched a compaſs to fall upon his flank and rear, but before they could come to cloſe engagement, they fell into the ſnare that had been laid for them. Many of their horſes were ſoon diſabled, by the ſharp irons ruſhing into their feet, others tumbled into the concealed pits, and could not diſentangle themſelves. Pieces of their harneſſing, with bits of broken ſpears, and other armour, ſtill continue to be dug up in the bog.

In the beginning of the engagement, an incident happened, which; though in itſelf of ſmall moment, was rendered important by its conſequences. King Robert was mounted on horſeback, carrying a battle-ax in his hand, and upon his helmet, he wore a high turban in the form of a crown, by way of diſtinction. This, together with his activity, rendered him very conſpicuous as he rode before the lines. An Engliſh Knight, named Bohun, who was ranked among the braveſt in king Edward's army,