Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/20

20 cordingly set on foot, which, however, terminated in effectually; the truce was not renewed, and, in 1322, a mutual invasion took place. The Scots penetrated into Lancashire by the western marches, and, after plundering the country, returned home with extraordinary booty; while Edward made preparations for an expedition into Scotland, which took place in August. In this, however, he was unsuccessful. Bruce having caused all the cattle to be driven off, and all the effects of value to be removed from Lothian and the Merse, fixed his camp at Culross, on the north of the river Forth. Edward, however, penetrated to Edinburgh; but without hope of subduing the kingdom. Many of his soldiers perished for want of food, and he was at last obliged to retire without having seen the enemy.

On their return to England, Edward's soldiers burnt the abbeys of Holyrood, Melrose, and Dryburgh, and slew many of the monks. As soon as they retired, they were pursued by the Scots, who laid siege to the castle of Norham, and attempted to surprise the king, then stationed at the abbey of Biland, in Yorkshire; he, however, with the utmost difficulty, escaped to York, after having left all his baggage and treasure.

These repeated losses disheartened Edward, and he was inclined to agree to a cessation of hostilities, from March, 30, 1323, to June, 12, 1336. This treaty was ratified by Robert, as King of Scotland, June 7, 1323. He now reconciled himself to the church, and obtained from the Pope the title of King, which had been so long denied him.

Early in the year 1327, Edward II. was deposed, and barbarously murdered in Berkeley castle. He was succeeded by his son, Edward III., then in the 15th year of his age, who renewed the negociations