Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/87

 :5. William de Ros.
 * 6. William de Vesci (appearing by attorney).
 * 7. Robert de Pinkeny.
 * 8. Nicholas de Soulis.

The Bishop of Bath recited the proceedings at the former assembly, and added, in reference to the historical researches commanded by the King, that- "by various evidences, it was sufficiently apparent that the English kings were Lords Paramount of Scotland, and from the most distant ages had either claimed or possessed that right; that Edward had required the Scots to produce their evidences or arguments to the contrary, and had declared himself ready to admit them if they were stronger than his own.... That as the Scots had produced nothing, the King was resolved, as Lord Paramount, to determine the question of the succession." Then the competitors were called on to declare their concurrence.

Robert de Brus was first asked if he acknowledged the King of England as Lord Paramount of Scotland, and whether he was willing to ask and receive judgment of him in that character. De Brus gave his assent "definitely, expressly, publicly, and openly," and the other competitors present answered these questions in the same way.

Next day, June 3d, John de Balliol made his appearance, and, having explained the cause of his absence at the appointed time, was asked if he was ready to make the same answer as the others. After