Page:Life of Sir William Wallace.pdf/6

 such friendship for his generous victor, that he insisted in uniting his fortunes with those of Wallace, with whom he returned to Scotland, and faught by his side in many a bloody battle, where the prowess, of Sir Thomas de Longueville, was remarked as inferior to that of none save of his heroic conqueror. His fate also was, more fortunate that that of his patron. Being distinguished by the beauty as well as strength of his person, he rendered himself so acceptable to a lady, young heiress, of the ancient family of Charteris, that she chose him for her husband, bestowing you on him the fair baronial castle of Kinfauns, and the domains annexed to it.

Waving, however, every thing of a questionable nature, there are abundant authentic, materials of which no doubt can be entertained to establish his claim to the applause and gratitude of his country especially when we consider the constancy of his attachment to her cause at when deserted by those whose duty it was to defend her, — the extent and magnitude of his achievements  and the inadequacy of his resources when opposed to the mighty power of the English monarch. Before entering on the history of his life, however, a brief outline of that quarrel which called his talents into action may not prove unnecessary.

Upon the death of Alexander III and Margaret of Norway, his grand-daughter, the right of succession to the Scottish crown was laid claim to by a number of candidates. Among these were Robert Bruce, John Baliol, both descendants of David earl of Huntingdon, third son of David I. Bruce being the son of Isabel earl David's second daughter and Baliol the grandson of Margaret, the eldest daughter. According to the presents customs, no doubt could be entertained