Page:Life of the celebrated Scottish patriot Sir Wm. Wallace.pdf/12

12 country, who speedily flocked around their chieftain's standard. While he remained here, he frequently went in disguise to Lochmaben, where one Clifford, with insolence and cruelty, bore the chief command. During one of his visits, he was so enraged at seeing the commander using his authority with the malicious intent to disgrace his countrymen, that he drew his sword, and slew the usurping tyrant. The enemy assembling to the pursuit, he flew to inform his valiant followers, who hastened to the nearest thickets to preserve themselves as much as possible from the enemy's fury. The armies met, and the Scots, dealing destruction on all sides, reduced the English to such a degree, that they were about giving way, when Moreland arrived with reinforcements to their aid. Thus encouraged, the combat was renewed, but Moreland having been slain, his followers gave way on every side, and fled before the victorious Scots. Scarcely had they enjoyed a moment of congratulation, when the enemy again appeared under the haughty Graystock, but the Scots, though wearied with the long contest, remained unshaken, and prepared again for the attack. At this moment young Graham appeared with an armed retinue to support his friends; the English were repulsed with dreadful slaughter, and retreated before the thrieethrice [sic] victorious band. After several inconsiderable skirmishes, the little army dispersed for the winter. agreeing to repair to Lanark and its neighbourhood, and to assemble at their chieftain's signal. Wallace repaired to Lanark, and was soon married to his lovely bride, who told him of the deeeitfuldeceitful [sic] arts of Hazelrigg, the English leader, to win her. During the winter Wallace remained disguised, and would often have delivered his wife from such an unwelcome visitor as Hazelrigg, but prudence caused him to delay the fatal blow.