Page:Life of Sir William Wallace.pdf/8

 to Scotland. For these possessions it had been the practice of some of the Scottish kings, at different periods, to do homage, though not regularly, and with little solemnity. Nor was this an unusual occurrence. Under the feudal system, where conquests were often pushed and maintained in the dominions of neighbouring princes, kings were at times found performing homage to those of far inferior note for tracts of land acquired in this manner; and instances were not awanting of the English monarchs themselves rendering that sort of subjection to the kings of France. It was now contended, however, by Edward, that the homage or fealty on these occasions had been done for the entire kingdom of Scotland.

But this claim was only a prelude to a more important step; for Edward, that lie might be able to bestow the kingdom on the successful candidate, demanded and obtained possession of all the fortresses in the kingdom, with the exception only of the castles of Dundee and Forfar, which Gilbert de Umfraville, earl of Angus, refused to surrender, until a written deed was executed, exculpating him for delivering up to the king of England what he held in first for the Scottish nation. At last, on the 17th November, 1292, Edward decreed the claim of Baliol to be the preferable one, and he having once more sworn fealty to that monarch, was placed by him on the throne.

Baliol was soon sensible of the humiliated condition to which he had reduced himself, and the feeble tenure by which he held his dignity, for every opportunity that could serve to remind him of his state of vassalage, and dependence, was seized upon by Edward with avidity. Indeed, so