Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/13



LIFE OF KING ROBERT BRUCE. 13

100,000 men. Bruce being informed of the enemy's preparations, likewise arrayed his forces, which con- sisted of only 30,000 men, but they were accustomed to war, and were hardened by sufferings. With this little army he encamped on a plain near Stir- ling, by the village of Bannockburn, in front of which was a marshy country, through which the enemy must pass. Here he caused deep ditches to be dug in the level places, in which he fixed sharp stakes in such a manner that, wheh covered over with slight turf, the deceit was concealed. The two armies having now pitched near each other, Edward sent 800 cavalry to relieve Stirling. Bruce supposing these were sent to plunder the ad- joining fields, gave Thomas Randolph 500 horse to check the marauders and protect the country, and instructed him not to decline fighting if he saw a favourable opportunity. The enemy, observing this detachment, desisted from their intended march, and wheeled upon Randolph's party. The combat was keenly contested, victory inclining to neither side, when James Douglas, alarmed for his countrymen, intreated Bruce to allow him to go to their assist- ance. As Bruce had given strict orders to Ran- dolph not to allow any succours to be thrown into Stirling, he refused him assistance. “Let him," said he "redeem his own fault. I cannot break the order of battle for his sake." "In truth," re- plied Douglas, "I cannot stand by and see Randolph perish, and, therefore, with your leave, I must aid him." Bruce unwillingly consented, and Douglas flew to his friend's assistance; but perceiving that the English were falling into disorder, and that Randolph had prevailed, he cried "Halt! those brave men have repulsed the enemy; let us not di- minish their glory by sharing it.