Page:Prophecies of Thomas the Rhymer, the ancient Scotch prophet (2).pdf/17

 He had ordered many ditches and pits to be dug in the morass, and stakes sharpened at both ends to be driven into them, and the whole to be covered over again with green turf, so that the ground had still the appearance of being firm. He also caused crow-feet, or sharp-pointed irons to be scattered throughout the morass; some of which have been found there in the memory of people still living; the same manoeuvres were likewise carried on for a little way, along the front of the left wing; for there the banks for about two hundred yards, being flatter than they are anywhere else, it was the only place where the enemy could pass the river in any sort of order. By means of these artificial improvements, joined to the natural strength of the ground, the Scotch army stood as within an intrenchment, and the invisible pits and ditches answered to the concealed batteries of modern times.

Among the other occurrences of this memorable day, historians mention an incident of a singular nature. As the two armies were about to engage, the Abbot of Inchaffery posting himself before the Scots, with a crucifix in his hand, they all fell down upon their knees in act of devotion. The enemy observing them in so uncommon a posture, concluded that they were frighted into submission, and that, by kneeling when they should be ready to fight, they meant to surrender at discretion, and only begged their lives; but they were soon deceived, when they saw them arise again, and stand to their arms with steady countenances.

The English began the action by a brisk charge upon the left wing of the Scots, commanded by Randolph, near the spot where the bridge is now