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bodies, and led on by the English monarch in son, and the earls of Hereford and Glocester, who were ranked among the best generals that England could at that time produce. Their centre was formed of infantry and the wings of cavalry, many of whom were armed cap-a-pee. Squadrons of archers were also planted upon the wings, and at certain distances along the front. Edward was attended by two knights, sir Giles de Argentine and sir Aymer de Vallance, who rode one upon each side of him: hence according to the phrase of those days, they were said to be at his bridle. That monarch, who had imagined that the Scots would never face his formidable host, was much astonished when he beheld the order in which they were drawn up, and their determined resolution to give him battle. As he expressed his surprise to those about him, sir Ingram Umfraville took the opportunity of suggesting a plan, which was likely to ensure a cheap and bloodless victory. He counselled him to make a feint of retreating with the whole army, till they had got behind their tents; and as this would tempt the Scots to break their ranks, in order to plunder the camp, they should suddenly turn about and fall upon them. This counsel was rejected,

Edward being of opinion, that there was no need of any stratagem in order to defeat so small a handful of men.

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Amongst the other occurrences of this memorable day, historians mention an incident of a singular nature. As the two armies were upon the point of engaging, the abbot of Inchchanfry, having posted himself before the Scots, with a crucifix in his hand, they all fell down upon their knees in an act of devotion. The enemy, observing them in so uncommon a posture, concluded that they were frightened into submission; and that, by kneeling when they should have been ready to fight, they meant to surrender at discretion, and only begged their lives; but they were soon undeceived when they saw them rise again, and stand to their arms with steady coun

tenances.

"The English began the action by a vigorous charge upon the left wing of the Scots, commanded by Randolph, near the spot where the bridge is now thrown over the river, at the small village of Chartres-hall. Thereabout was the only place where the river could be crossed in any sort of order. A large body of cavalry advanced to attack in front, while another fetched a compass to fall upon the

flank and rear; but before they could come to a close engagement, they fell into the snare that had been laid for them; many of their horses were soon disabled by the sharp irons rushing into their feet; others tumbled into the concealed pits, and could not disentangle themselves. Pieces of their harness, with bits of broken spears, and other armour, still continue to be dug up in the bog. Randolph knew full well how to improve an accident which he had looked for; taking an immediate advantage of the disorder and surprise into which it had thrown the enemy, he charged them with vigour. While these transactions were going on in these parts, the battle was spreading along the front, and was fought with much valour on both sides.

"In the beginning of the engagement, an incident happened, which, though in itself of small moment, was rendered important by its consequences. Robert was mounted on horseback, Barbour says, upon a little palfry, carrying a battle-ax in his hand, and upon his helmet he wore a purple hat in form of a crown, by way of distinction. This singularity of dress, together with his activity, rendered him very conspicuous as he rode before the lines, observing their order, and encouraging them with the cheer

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fulness of his countenance. An English knight, named Henry Bohun, cousin to the earl of Hereford, who was ranked amongst the bravest in Edward's army, came galloping furiously up to him, in order to engage with him in single combat, expecting, by so eminent an act of chivalry, to put an end to the contest at once, and gain immortal renown to himself. But the enterprising champion, having missed his first blow, was immediately struck dead with the king's battle-ax, the handle of which was broken by the violence of the stroke. This was a sort of signal for the charge. So bold an attack upon their king filled the Scots with sentiments of revenge; and the heroic achievement performed by him before their eyes raised their spirits to the highest pitch. Their courage was too warm to suffer restraint, and their confidence too great to listen to advice; they rushed furiously upon the enemy, who gave them a warm reception. The ardour of one of the Scottish divisions having carried them too far, occasioned their being sorely galled by a large body of English archers, who charged them in flank; but these were soon dispersed by Edward Bruce, who came behind them with a party of spearmen; or, according to other accounts, by sir Robert

The battle was now at

Keith, whom the king despatched to their relief, with a company of five hundred horse. Prince Edward, however, soon found himself standing in need of the same relief which he had so timely afforded to others. A strong body of the enemy's cavalry charged the right wing, which he commanded, with such irresistible fury, that he had been quite overpowered, if Randolph, who appears to have at that time been disengaged, had not marched to his assistance. the hottest; and it was yet uncertain how the day was to go. The English still continued to charge with unabated vigour: the Scots received them with an inflexible intrepidity, and fought every one as if victory had depended upon his single arm. A singular occurrence, which some accounts represent as an accidental sally of patriotic enthusiasm, others as a premeditated stratagem of Robert, suddenly altered the face of affairs, and contributed greatly to the victory. All the servants and attendants of the Scottish army, who are said to have amounted to above fifteen thousand, had been ordered, before the battle, to retire with the baggage behind Gillieshill; but having, during the engagement, arranged themselves in a martial form, some on foot, and

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