Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/5



LIFE OF KING ROBEKT BRUCE. 5

of Bruce, had notice of his friend’s danger, and, anxious to save him, yet afraid to compromise his own safety, sent him a purse of gold and a pair of spurs. Bruce, understanding the hint, had his horses shod with their shoes inverted, that the traces on the snow might baffle his pursuers, and immedi- ately set out for Scotland, accompanied by his se- cretary and a single attendant. Arriving at Dum- fries, he assembled his friends and all the nobles, who promised their aid ; but Comyn having endea- voured to dissuade them from so desperate an under- taking, Bruce sought a private interview with him. The meeting took place in the church of Dumfries, before the high altar, and Bruce having reproached Comyn for his treachery, drew his dagger and stab- bed him to the heart. Hastening from the spot, he called for his attendants, who, seeing him pale and agitated, inquired the cause. “I doubt,” said Bruce, “that I have slain the Red Comyn.” “ Do you leave such a matter to doubt?” cried Kirkpatrick fiercely; “ I’se mak’ siccar,”—-that is, I will make sure—-and accordingly he and Lindsay dispatched him with their daggers. Bruce had thus committed an action which was sure to bring upon him the vengeance of all Comyn’s relations, the resentment of the king of England, and the displeasure of the church, for slaying his enemy within consecrated ground. He therefore de- termined at Once to bid them defiance, and assert his right to the Scottish throne. For this purpose, he sum- moned his own followers, together with the barons who still entertained hopes of their country’s free- dom, and was crowned king at Scone. Edward was dreadfully incensed when he heard of this new at- tempt to shake off his authority, and solemnly de- clared in presence of his court, that he would be