Page:Memorable Battle of Bannockburn, fought on the 25th of June 1314.pdf/3

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Whilst English oaths from Une to line did like to

mildew flee,

The little Scottish army was found upon their knee, The aid of heav’n imploring for a distressed land, Then starting to their feet they grasp their weapons

in their hand.

Towards Stirling a march the Lord Clifford did. steal,

But the bold Earl of Murray upon him did wheel; Their spears made such havock, tho* with foes en-

compafs’d round,

That many a gallant Englishman lay gasping on the

ground.

The sacred love of liberty did like a god inspire, And made their haughty num’rous foes most pru-

dently retire;

Precipitate inglorious flight was all they could attempt, While the hardy Scots harass’d their rear almost to

Edward’s camp.

King Robert gave his orders in front of the line. Where in, refulgent armour he royally did shine, Which pointed him out to a bold English knight. Who from the rest detach’d himself with Robert for

to fight;

With a dour on the wings of hope advancing with,

his spear,

But Robert wi’ his battle-axe met him in full career. And thro’ the temper’d shining helm did' cleave his

head in two,

Till reeling to the earth with a thudd he did go.

Such two successful preludes did raise king Robert’s

heart,

And flr’d each Scottish warrior his courage to exert;