Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/14

14 Bruce was in front of the line when the English appeared. He was meanly dressed, with a crown above his helmet, and a battle-axe in his hand. Sir Henry de Bohun, an English knight, armed cap-a-pie, rode forward to encounter him. Bruce struck his antagonist so violently with his battle-axe, that he cleft him to the chin, after which the English vanguard retreated in confusion.

On Monday, June 24, 1314, the whole English army moved to the attack. The van was commanded by Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and Humphrey de Bohun. The main body was brought up by Edward in person, attended by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and Sir Giles d'Argentine, two experienced commanders. Maurice, abbot of Inchaffray, celebrated mass in the sight of the Scottish army. He then passed along the front, bare-footed, with a crucifix in his hands, and, in a few words, exhorted the Scots to fight for their king and country. The Scots fell down on their knees as he passed, which being perceived by Edward, he cried out "They yield! See, they ask mercy!" "They do," answered one of his commanders: "they ask it from God, not from us; these men will be victorious or die." The engagement began with great fury. Bruce, perceiving that his troops were grievously annoyed by the English archers, ordered a party of horse to attack them in flank. This was accomplished, and as the weapons of the archers were useless in a close encounter, they made little resistance. The English cavalry rushed forward to support their archers; but, coming over the ground where the ditches were dug, the horses and riders fell into them, and a general disorder ensued. Bruce now advanced with all his forces, and pressing them more closely, the English at last gave way, and fled in every direction.