Page:Life of Sir William Wallace.pdf/11

 was about fifteen years of age. After this disatrous event, his mother fled with him to the protection of his uncle Crawford of K where he lived until 1295; but having killed and Englishman who had insulted him he was again necessitated to seek safety in flight. During the year 1295 while under hiding the from the vengeance of the enemy, Wallace married the daughter of Broadfoot of Lammington, who bore him a daughter, but she, being deceived by a party of the English, who were pursuing her husband, was cruelly put to death.

At the head of a resolute band, having for some time the English quarters, the success of his predatory expeditions increased the number of his partisans; and being joined by Sir William Douglas, his attacks became every day more formidable.— Many were induced to join Wallace from admiration of his character, some from the hope of plunder, and others inspired by revenge. Having thus mustered a considerable force (May 1297), he made an attempt to surprise Ormesby while he held his court at Scone Ormesby escaped with difficulty; having that part of the country in the hands of the patriots, who flushed with their success, cut off and harassed the English wherever they were not secured by fortifications. They next marched into the west of Scotland, where they were joined by many persons of rank, among whom were Robert Wischeart, bishop of Glasgow; the Stewart of Scotland, and his brother; Alexander de Lindsay, Sir Andrew Moray, of Borthwick, even Bruce, (grandson of the competitor), deceiving the vigilance of Edward, joined the patriotic standard.

Warrenne, the governor, exerted himself to