Page:Life of Sir William Wallace.pdf/19

 to the crowns; and Stewart, as supplying the place of his brother; and that the consequence of this dispute was that Cuming marched off the field with his division, leaving the other two to sustain the attack of the English army, more than four times their number, and that Stewart, owing to his desertion, was surrounded, and with the greater part of his men cut to pieces: that Wallace for some time longer maintained his ground, till Robert Bruce, making a circuit round a rising ground was ready to fall on his rear. This induced him to retreat, which he did, in orderly manner, across the Carron.

After this battle when Wallace and his trusty follower, Karle, were moving slowly along the banks of the river, gazing with sorrowful interest at the scene of carnage they had left, Bruce from the opposite bank, having recognised the Guardian, raised his voice, and requested an interview. This was readily granted. Bruce felt awed by the majestic appearance and deportment of the patriot, and his voice though loud, became tremulous as he thus addressed him:— "I am surprised, Sir William, that you should entertain thoughts, as it is believed you do, of attaining the crown of Scotland; and that with this chimerical object in view, you should thus continue to expose yourself to so many dangers. It is not easy, you find, to resist the king of England, who is one of the greatest princes in the world. And were you even successful in your attempts, are you so vain as to imagine the Scots will ever suffer you to be their king."— The Guardian did not allow him to say more.— "No!" replied he, "my thoughts never soared so high, not do I intend to usurp a crown I very well know my birth can give me no right to, and my services can never merit; I only