Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/4



4          LIFE OF KING ROBERT BRUCE.

they not only acknowledged Edward as king of Scot- land, but böre arms against their patriotic country- men, who resolved rather to die in defence of their rights, than submit to the tyrant's sway. Bruce's feclings are believed to have been roused by the following incident:-- In one of the battles which took place between the English and the Scotch, Bruce had assisted the former in gaining the victory. After the battle, he sat down to dinner without wash- ing his hands, on which were spots of blood, which he had shed during the action. “Look at that Scotchman," whispered some of the English to their         messmates, “eating his own blood." Bruce felt the cutting remark, and, reflecting that it might well be         styled his own blood, seeing it was that of his coun- trymen, who were struggling for their national in- dependence, rose from table, and vowed that he would use every exertion to deliver his country from the iron yoke of Edward. He accordingly entered into an agreement with the Bishop of St. Andrew's,         as head of the Scottish Church, whereby they bound themselves to assist each other against all persons whatsoever, and neither to undertake any business of importance without the consent of the other. He         had also a conference with Comyn, at which he pro- posed that they should thenceforward entertain feel- ings of friendship towards cach other. “Support,"         said Bruce, "my title to the crown, and I will give you all my lands; or bestow on me your lands, and I will support your claim.” Comyn accepted the former proposal, and an agreement having been drawn up, it was scaled by both parties. Comyn, however, revealed the sccret to Edward, who re- solved on revenge; and, having drank freely one evening, discovered his intention to some of the nobles of his court. The Earl of Gloucester, a kinsman