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17 Robert Bruce, the son of that Robert Bruce who held a conference with Wallace on the banks of the Carron, and grandson of him who was competitor with Baliol, had, in 1306, been crowned King of Scotland; and being aware of Edward's formidable preparations, he raised an army of 80,000 men to oppose him. This armament bore but a small proportion to that of Edward's; but it was composed of soldiers who were hardened by long practice of war, and who now carried upon the point of their swords, liberty and honour, and everything that was dear to them. With these, Robert took uр his station in the neighbourhood of Stirling, and waited for Edward's arrival.

The two armies met, in the month of June. Soon after, a bloody battle was fought, in which the Scots obtained the most decisive victory in the annals of Scotland.

The English, having marched from Edinburgh, encamped to the northward of Torwood. The Scottish army was posted about a mile south