LLEWELLYNwasthePrinceofWales.HehadbeenonthesideoftheBaronsinthereignofthestupidoldKing,buthadafterwardsswornallegiancetohim.WhenKingEdwardcametothethrone,Llewellynwasrequiredtoswearallegiancetohimalso;whichherefusedtodo.TheKing,beingcrownedandinhisowndominions,threetimesmorerequiredLlewellyntocomeanddohomage;andthreetimesmoreLlewellynsaidhewouldrathernot.HewasgoingtobemarriedtoELEANORDEMONTFORT,ayoungladyofthefamilymentionedinthelastreign;anditchancedthatthisyounglady,comingfromFrancewithheryoungestbrother,EMERIC,wastakenbyanEnglishship,andwasorderedbytheEnglishKingtobedetained.Uponthis,thequarrelcametoahead.TheKingwent,withhisfleet,tothecoastofWales,where,soencompassingLlewellyn,thathecouldonlytakerefugeinthebleakmountainregionofSnowdoninwhichnoprovisionscouldreachhim,hewassoonstarvedintoanapology,andintoatreatyofpeace,andintopayingtheexpensesofthewar.TheKing,however,forgavehimsomeofthehardestconditionsofthetreaty,andconsentedtohismarriage.AndhenowthoughthehadreducedWalestoobedience.
ButtheWelsh,althoughtheywerenaturallyagentle,quiet,pleasantpeople,wholikedtoreceivestrangersintheircottagesamongthemountains,andtosetbeforethemwithfreehospitalitywhatevertheyhadtoeatanddrink,andtoplaytothemontheirharps,andsingtheirnativeballadstothem,wereapeopleofgreatspiritwhentheirbloodwasup.Englishmen,afterthisaffair,begantobeinsolentinWales,andtoassumetheairofmasters;andtheWelshpridecouldnotbearit.Moreover,theybelievedinthatunluckyoldMerlin,someofwhoseunluckyoldpropheciessomebodyalwaysseemeddoomedtorememberwhentherewasachanceofitsdoingharm;andjustatthistimesomeblindoldgentlemanwithaharpandalongwhitebeard,whowasanexcellentperson,buthadbecomeofanunknownageandtedious,burstoutwithadeclarationthatMerlinhadpredictedthatwhenEnglishmoneyhadbecomeround,aPrinceofWaleswouldbecrownedinLondon.Now,KingEdwardhadrecentlyforbiddentheEnglishpennytobecutintohalvesandquartersforhalfpenceandfarthings,andhadactuallyintroducedaroundcoin;therefore,theWelshpeoplesaidthiswasthetimeMerlinmeant,androseaccordingly.
KingEdwardhadboughtoverPRINCEDAVID,Llewellyn\'sbrother,byheapingfavoursuponhim;buthewasthefirsttorevolt,beingperhapstroubledinhisconscience.Onestormynight,hesurprisedtheCastleofHawarden,inpossessionofwhichanEnglishnoblemanhadbeenleft;killedthewholegarrison,andcarriedoffthenoblemanaprisonertoSnowdon.Uponthis,theWelshpeopleroselikeoneman.KingEdward,withhisarmy,marchingfromWorcestertotheMenaiStrait,crossedit-neartowherethewonderfultubularironbridgenow,indayssodifferent,makesapassageforrailwaytrains-byabridgeofboatsthatenabledfortymentomarchabreast.HesubduedtheIslandofAnglesea,andsenthismenforwardtoobservetheenemy.ThesuddenappearanceoftheWelshcreatedapanicamongthem,andtheyfellbacktothebridge.Thetidehadinthemeantimerisenandseparatedtheboats;theWelshpursuingthem,theyweredrivenintothesea,andtheretheysunk,intheirheavyironarmour,bythousands.AfterthisvictoryLlewellyn,helpedbytheseverewinter-weatherofWales,gainedanotherbattle;buttheKingorderingaportionofhisEnglisharmytoadvancethroughSouthWales,andcatchhimbetweentwofoes,andLlewellynbravelyturningtomeetthisnewenemy,hewassurprisedandkilled-verymeanly,forhewasunarmedanddefenceless.HisheadwasstruckoffandsenttoLondon,whereitwasfixedupontheTower,encircledwithawreath,somesayofivy,somesayofwillow,somesayofsilver,tomakeitlooklikeaghastlycoininridiculeoftheprediction.
David,however,stillheldoutforsixmonths,thougheagerlysoughtafterbytheKing,andhuntedbyhisowncountrymen.Oneofthemfinallybetrayedhimwithhiswifeandchildren.Hewassentencedtobehanged,drawn,andquartered;andfromthattimethisbecametheestablishedpunishmentofTraitorsinEngland-apunishmentwhollywithoutexcuse,asbeingrevolting,vile,andcruel,afteritsobjectisdead;andwhichhasnosenseinit,asitsonlyrealdegradation(andthatnothingcanblotout)istothecountrythatpermitsonanyconsiderationsuchabominablebarbarity.
Waleswasnowsubdued.TheQueengivingbirthtoayoungprinceintheCastleofCarnarvon,theKingshowedhimtotheWelshpeopleastheircountryman,andcalledhimPrinceofWales;atitlethathaseversincebeenbornebytheheir-apparenttotheEnglishthrone-
whichthatlittlePrincesoonbecame,bythedeathofhiselderbrother.TheKingdidbetterthingsfortheWelshthanthat,byimprovingtheirlawsandencouragingtheirtrade.Disturbancesstilltookplace,chieflyoccasionedbytheavariceandprideoftheEnglishLords,onwhomWelshlandsandcastleshadbeenbestowed;buttheyweresubdued,andthecountryneverroseagain.
Thereisalegendthattopreventthepeoplefrombeingincitedtorebellionbythesongsoftheirbardsandharpers,Edwardhadthemallputtodeath.SomeofthemmayhavefallenamongothermenwhoheldoutagainsttheKing;butthisgeneralslaughteris,Ithink,afancyoftheharpersthemselves,who,Idaresay,madeasongaboutitmanyyearsafterwards,andsangitbytheWelshfiresidesuntilitcametobebelieved.
TheforeignwarofthereignofEdwardtheFirstaroseinthisway.
Thecrewsoftwovessels,oneaNormanship,andtheotheranEnglishship,happenedtogotothesameplaceintheirboatstofilltheircaskswithfreshwater.Beingroughangryfellows,theybegantoquarrel,andthentofight-theEnglishwiththeirfists;
theNormanswiththeirknives-and,inthefight,aNormanwaskilled.TheNormancrew,insteadofrevengingthemselvesuponthoseEnglishsailorswithwhomtheyhadquarrelled(whoweretoostrongforthem,Isuspect),tooktotheirshipagaininagreatrage,attackedthefirstEnglishshiptheymet,laidholdofanunoffendingmerchantwhohappenedtobeonboard,andbrutallyhangedhimintheriggingoftheirownvesselwithadogathisfeet.ThissoenragedtheEnglishsailorsthattherewasnorestrainingthem;andwhenever,andwherever,EnglishsailorsmetNormansailors,theyfelluponeachothertoothandnail.TheIrishandDutchsailorstookpartwiththeEnglish;theFrenchandGenoesesailorshelpedtheNormans;andthusthegreaterpartofthemarinerssailingovertheseabecame,intheirway,asviolentandragingastheseaitselfwhenitisdisturbed.
KingEdward\'sfamehadbeensohighabroadthathehadbeenchosentodecideadifferencebetweenFranceandanotherforeignpower,andhadlivedupontheContinentthreeyears.Atfirst,neitherhenortheFrenchKingPHILIP(thegoodLouishadbeendeadsometime)
interferedinthesequarrels;butwhenafleetofeightyEnglishshipsengagedandutterlydefeatedaNormanfleetoftwohundred,inapitchedbattlefoughtroundashipatanchor,inwhichnoquarterwasgiven,thematterbecametooserioustobepassedover.
KingEdward,asDukeofGuienne,wassummonedtopresenthimselfbeforetheKingofFrance,atParis,andanswerforthedamagedonebyhissailorsubjects.Atfirst,hesenttheBishopofLondonashisrepresentative,andthenhisbrotherEDMUND,whowasmarriedtotheFrenchQueen\'smother.IamafraidEdmundwasaneasyman,andallowedhimselftobetalkedoverbyhischarmingrelations,theFrenchcourtladies;atallevents,hewasinducedtogiveuphisbrother\'sdukedomforfortydays-asamereform,theFrenchKingsaid,tosatisfyhishonour-andhewassoverymuchastonished,whenthetimewasout,tofindthattheFrenchKinghadnoideaofgivingitupagain,thatIshouldnotwonderifithastenedhisdeath:whichsoontookplace.
KingEdwardwasaKingtowinhisforeigndukedombackagain,ifitcouldbewonbyenergyandvalour.Heraisedalargearmy,renouncedhisallegianceasDukeofGuienne,andcrossedtheseatocarrywarintoFrance.Beforeanyimportantbattlewasfought,however,atrucewasagreeduponfortwoyears;andinthecourseofthattime,thePopeeffectedareconciliation.KingEdward,whowasnowawidower,havinglosthisaffectionateandgoodwife,Eleanor,marriedtheFrenchKing\'ssister,MARGARET;andthePrinceofWaleswascontractedtotheFrenchKing\'sdaughterISABELLA.
Outofbadthings,goodthingssometimesarise.Outofthishangingoftheinnocentmerchant,andthebloodshedandstrifeitcaused,therecametobeestablishedoneofthegreatestpowersthattheEnglishpeoplenowpossess.Thepreparationsforthewarbeingveryexpensive,andKingEdwardgreatlywantingmoney,andbeingveryarbitraryinhiswaysofraisingit,someoftheBaronsbeganfirmlytoopposehim.Twoofthem,inparticular,HUMPHREY
BOHUN,EarlofHereford,andROGERBIGOD,EarlofNorfolk,weresostoutagainsthim,thattheymaintainedhehadnorighttocommandthemtoheadhisforcesinGuienne,andflatlyrefusedtogothere.
\'ByHeaven,SirEarl,\'saidtheKingtotheEarlofHereford,inagreatpassion,\'youshalleithergoorbehanged!\'\'ByHeaven,SirKing,\'repliedtheEarl,\'IwillneithergonoryetwillIbehanged!\'andbothheandtheotherEarlsturdilyleftthecourt,attendedbymanyLords.TheKingtriedeverymeansofraisingmoney.Hetaxedtheclergy,inspiteofallthePopesaidtothecontrary;andwhentheyrefusedtopay,reducedthemtosubmission,bysayingVerywell,thentheyhadnoclaimuponthegovernmentforprotection,andanymanmightplunderthemwhowould-whichagoodmanymenwereveryreadytodo,andveryreadilydid,andwhichtheclergyfoundtoolosingagametobeplayedatlong.Heseizedallthewoolandleatherinthehandsofthemerchants,promisingtopayforitsomefineday;andhesetataxupontheexportationofwool,whichwassounpopularamongthetradersthatitwascalled\'Theeviltoll.\'Butallwouldnotdo.TheBarons,ledbythosetwogreatEarls,declaredanytaxesimposedwithouttheconsentofParliament,unlawful;andtheParliamentrefusedtoimposetaxes,untiltheKingshouldconfirmafreshthetwoGreatCharters,andshouldsolemnlydeclareinwriting,thattherewasnopowerinthecountrytoraisemoneyfromthepeople,evermore,butthepowerofParliamentrepresentingallranksofthepeople.TheKingwasveryunwillingtodiminishhisownpowerbyallowingthisgreatprivilegeintheParliament;buttherewasnohelpforit,andheatlastcomplied.WeshallcometoanotherKingby-and-by,whomighthavesavedhisheadfromrollingoff,ifhehadprofitedbythisexample.
ThepeoplegainedotherbenefitsinParliamentfromthegoodsenseandwisdomofthisKing.Manyofthelawsweremuchimproved;
provisionwasmadeforthegreatersafetyoftravellers,andtheapprehensionofthievesandmurderers;thepriestswerepreventedfromholdingtoomuchland,andsobecomingtoopowerful;andJusticesofthePeacewerefirstappointed(thoughnotatfirstunderthatname)invariouspartsofthecountry.
AndnowwecometoScotland,whichwasthegreatandlastingtroubleofthereignofKingEdwardtheFirst.
AboutthirteenyearsafterKingEdward\'scoronation,AlexandertheThird,theKingofScotland,diedofafallfromhishorse.HehadbeenmarriedtoMargaret,KingEdward\'ssister.Alltheirchildrenbeingdead,theScottishcrownbecametherightofayoungPrincessonlyeightyearsold,thedaughterofERIC,KingofNorway,whohadmarriedadaughterofthedeceasedsovereign.KingEdwardproposed,thattheMaidenofNorway,asthisPrincesswascalled,shouldbeengagedtobemarriedtohiseldestson;but,unfortunately,asshewascomingovertoEnglandshefellsick,andlandingononeoftheOrkneyIslands,diedthere.AgreatcommotionimmediatelybeganinScotland,whereasmanyasthirteennoisyclaimantstothevacantthronestartedupandmadeageneralconfusion.
KingEdwardbeingmuchrenownedforhissagacityandjustice,itseemstohavebeenagreedtoreferthedisputetohim.Heacceptedthetrust,andwent,withanarmy,totheBorder-landwhereEnglandandScotlandjoined.There,hecalledupontheScottishgentlementomeethimattheCastleofNorham,ontheEnglishsideoftheriverTweed;andtothatCastletheycame.But,beforehewouldtakeanystepinthebusiness,herequiredthoseScottishgentlemen,oneandall,todohomagetohimastheirsuperiorLord;
andwhentheyhesitated,hesaid,\'ByholyEdward,whosecrownI
wear,Iwillhavemyrights,orIwilldieinmaintainingthem!\'
TheScottishgentlemen,whohadnotexpectedthis,weredisconcerted,andaskedforthreeweekstothinkaboutit.
Attheendofthethreeweeks,anothermeetingtookplace,onagreenplainontheScottishsideoftheriver.OfallthecompetitorsfortheScottishthrone,therewereonlytwowhohadanyrealclaim,inrightoftheirnearkindredtotheRoyalFamily.
ThesewereJOHNBALIOLandROBERTBRUCE:andtherightwas,Ihavenodoubt,onthesideofJohnBaliol.AtthisparticularmeetingJohnBaliolwasnotpresent,butRobertBrucewas;andonRobertBrucebeingformallyaskedwhetherheacknowledgedtheKingofEnglandforhissuperiorlord,heanswered,plainlyanddistinctly,Yes,hedid.Nextday,JohnBaliolappeared,andsaidthesame.
Thispointsettled,somearrangementsweremadeforinquiringintotheirtitles.
Theinquiryoccupiedaprettylongtime-morethanayear.Whileitwasgoingon,KingEdwardtooktheopportunityofmakingajourneythroughScotland,andcallingupontheScottishpeopleofalldegreestoacknowledgethemselveshisvassals,orbeimprisoneduntiltheydid.Inthemeanwhile,Commissionerswereappointedtoconducttheinquiry,aParliamentwasheldatBerwickaboutit,thetwoclaimantswereheardatfulllength,andtherewasavastamountoftalking.Atlast,inthegreathalloftheCastleofBerwick,theKinggavejudgmentinfavourofJohnBaliol:who,consentingtoreceivehiscrownbytheKingofEngland\'sfavourandpermission,wascrownedatScone,inanoldstonechairwhichhadbeenusedforagesintheabbeythere,atthecoronationsofScottishKings.Then,KingEdwardcausedthegreatsealofScotland,usedsincethelateKing\'sdeath,tobebrokeninfourpieces,andplacedintheEnglishTreasury;andconsideredthathenowhadScotland(accordingtothecommonsaying)underhisthumb.
Scotlandhadastrongwillofitsownyet,however.KingEdward,determinedthattheScottishKingshouldnotforgethewashisvassal,summonedhimrepeatedlytocomeanddefendhimselfandhisjudgesbeforetheEnglishParliamentwhenappealsfromthedecisionsofScottishcourtsofjusticewerebeingheard.Atlength,JohnBaliol,whohadnogreatheartofhisown,hadsomuchheartputintohimbythebravespiritoftheScottishpeople,whotookthisasanationalinsult,thatherefusedtocomeanymore.
Thereupon,theKingfurtherrequiredhimtohelphiminhiswarabroad(whichwastheninprogress),andtogiveup,assecurityforhisgoodbehaviourinfuture,thethreestrongScottishCastlesofJedburgh,Roxburgh,andBerwick.Nothingofthisbeingdone;onthecontrary,theScottishpeopleconcealingtheirKingamongtheirmountainsintheHighlandsandshowingadeterminationtoresist;
EdwardmarchedtoBerwickwithanarmyofthirtythousandfoot,andfourthousandhorse;tooktheCastle,andslewitswholegarrison,andtheinhabitantsofthetownaswell-men,women,andchildren.
LORDWARRENNE,EarlofSurrey,thenwentontotheCastleofDunbar,beforewhichabattlewasfought,andthewholeScottisharmydefeatedwithgreatslaughter.Thevictorybeingcomplete,theEarlofSurreywasleftasguardianofScotland;theprincipalofficesinthatkingdomweregiventoEnglishmen;themorepowerfulScottishNobleswereobligedtocomeandliveinEngland;theScottishcrownandsceptrewerebroughtaway;andeventheoldstonechairwascarriedoffandplacedinWestminsterAbbey,whereyoumayseeitnow.BaliolhadtheTowerofLondonlenthimforaresidence,withpermissiontorangeaboutwithinacircleoftwentymiles.ThreeyearsafterwardshewasallowedtogotoNormandy,wherehehadestates,andwherehepassedtheremainingsixyearsofhislife:farmorehappily,Idaresay,thanhehadlivedforalongwhileinangryScotland.
Now,therewas,intheWestofScotland,agentlemanofsmallfortune,namedWILLIAMWALLACE,thesecondsonofaScottishknight.Hewasamanofgreatsizeandgreatstrength;hewasverybraveanddaring;whenhespoketoabodyofhiscountrymen,hecouldrousetheminawonderfulmannerbythepowerofhisburningwords;helovedScotlanddearly,andhehatedEnglandwithhisutmostmight.ThedomineeringconductoftheEnglishwhonowheldtheplacesoftrustinScotlandmadethemasintolerabletotheproudScottishpeopleastheyhadbeen,undersimilarcircumstances,totheWelsh;andnomaninallScotlandregardedthemwithsomuchsmotheredrageasWilliamWallace.Oneday,anEnglishmaninoffice,littleknowingwhathewas,affrontedHIM.
Wallaceinstantlystruckhimdead,andtakingrefugeamongtherocksandhills,andtherejoiningwithhiscountryman,SIRWILLIAM
DOUGLAS,whowasalsoinarmsagainstKingEdward,becamethemostresoluteandundauntedchampionofapeoplestrugglingfortheirindependencethateverlivedupontheearth.
TheEnglishGuardianoftheKingdomfledbeforehim,and,thusencouraged,theScottishpeoplerevoltedeverywhere,andfellupontheEnglishwithoutmercy.TheEarlofSurrey,bytheKing\'scommands,raisedallthepoweroftheBorder-counties,andtwoEnglisharmiespouredintoScotland.OnlyoneChief,inthefaceofthosearmies,stoodbyWallace,who,withaforceoffortythousandmen,awaitedtheinvadersataplaceontheriverForth,withintwomilesofStirling.Acrosstherivertherewasonlyonepoorwoodenbridge,calledthebridgeofKildean-sonarrow,thatbuttwomencouldcrossitabreast.Withhiseyesuponthisbridge,Wallacepostedthegreaterpartofhismenamongsomerisinggrounds,andwaitedcalmly.WhentheEnglisharmycameupontheoppositebankoftheriver,messengersweresentforwardtoofferterms.Wallacesentthembackwithadefiance,inthenameofthefreedomofScotland.SomeoftheofficersoftheEarlofSurreyincommandoftheEnglish,withTHEIReyesalsoonthebridge,advisedhimtobediscreetandnothasty.He,however,urgedtoimmediatebattlebysomeotherofficers,andparticularlybyCRESSINGHAM,KingEdward\'streasurer,andarashman,gavethewordofcommandtoadvance.OnethousandEnglishcrossedthebridge,twoabreast;theScottishtroopswereasmotionlessasstoneimages.TwothousandEnglishcrossed;threethousand,fourthousand,five.Notafeather,allthistime,hadbeenseentostiramongtheScottishbonnets.Now,theyallfluttered.
\'Forward,oneparty,tothefootoftheBridge!\'criedWallace,\'andletnomoreEnglishcross!Therest,downwithmeonthefivethousandwhohavecomeover,andcutthemalltopieces!\'Itwasdone,inthesightofthewholeremainderoftheEnglisharmy,whocouldgivenohelp.Cressinghamhimselfwaskilled,andtheScotchmadewhipsfortheirhorsesofhisskin.
KingEdwardwasabroadatthistime,andduringthesuccessesontheScottishsidewhichfollowed,andwhichenabledboldWallacetowinthewholecountrybackagain,andeventoravagetheEnglishborders.But,afterafewwintermonths,theKingreturned,andtookthefieldwithmorethanhisusualenergy.Onenight,whenakickfromhishorseastheybothlayonthegroundtogetherbroketwoofhisribs,andacryarosethathewaskilled,heleapedintohissaddle,regardlessofthepainhesuffered,androdethroughthecamp.Daythenappearing,hegavetheword(still,ofcourse,inthatbruisedandachingstate)Forward!andledhisarmyontonearFalkirk,wheretheScottishforceswereseendrawnuponsomestonyground,behindamorass.Here,hedefeatedWallace,andkilledfifteenthousandofhismen.Withtheshatteredremainder,WallacedrewbacktoStirling;but,beingpursued,setfiretothetownthatitmightgivenohelptotheEnglish,andescaped.TheinhabitantsofPerthafterwardssetfiretotheirhousesforthesamereason,andtheKing,unabletofindprovisions,wasforcedtowithdrawhisarmy.
AnotherROBERTBRUCE,thegrandsonofhimwhohaddisputedtheScottishcrownwithBaliol,wasnowinarmsagainsttheKing(thatelderBrucebeingdead),andalsoJOHNCOMYN,Baliol\'snephew.
ThesetwoyoungmenmightagreeinopposingEdward,butcouldagreeinnothingelse,astheywererivalsforthethroneofScotland.
Probablyitwasbecausetheyknewthis,andknewwhattroublesmustariseeveniftheycouldhopetogetthebetterofthegreatEnglishKing,thattheprincipalScottishpeopleappliedtothePopeforhisinterference.ThePope,ontheprincipleoflosingnothingforwantoftryingtogetit,verycoollyclaimedthatScotlandbelongedtohim;butthiswasalittletoomuch,andtheParliamentinafriendlymannertoldhimso.
Inthespringtimeoftheyearonethousandthreehundredandthree,theKingsentSIRJOHNSEGRAVE,whomhemadeGovernorofScotland,withtwentythousandmen,toreducetherebels.SirJohnwasnotascarefulasheshouldhavebeen,butencampedatRosslyn,nearEdinburgh,withhisarmydividedintothreeparts.TheScottishforcessawtheiradvantage;felloneachpartseparately;
defeatedeach;andkilledalltheprisoners.Then,cametheKinghimselfoncemore,assoonasagreatarmycouldberaised;hepassedthroughthewholenorthofScotland,layingwastewhatsoevercameinhisway;andhetookuphiswinterquartersatDunfermline.
TheScottishcausenowlookedsohopeless,thatComynandtheothernoblesmadesubmissionandreceivedtheirpardons.Wallacealonestoodout.Hewasinvitedtosurrender,thoughonnodistinctpledgethathislifeshouldbespared;buthestilldefiedtheirefulKing,andlivedamongthesteepcragsoftheHighlandglens,wheretheeaglesmadetheirnests,andwherethemountaintorrentsroared,andthewhitesnowwasdeep,andthebitterwindsblewroundhisunshelteredhead,ashelaythroughmanyapitch-darknightwrappedupinhisplaid.Nothingcouldbreakhisspirit;
nothingcouldlowerhiscourage;nothingcouldinducehimtoforgetortoforgivehiscountry\'swrongs.EvenwhentheCastleofStirling,whichhadlongheldout,wasbesiegedbytheKingwitheverykindofmilitaryenginetheninuse;evenwhentheleaduponcathedralroofswastakendowntohelptomakethem;evenwhentheKing,thoughanoldman,commandedinthesiegeasifhewereayouth,beingsoresolvedtoconquer;evenwhenthebravegarrison(thenfoundwithamazementtobenottwohundredpeople,includingseveralladies)werestarvedandbeatenoutandweremadetosubmitontheirknees,andwitheveryformofdisgracethatcouldaggravatetheirsufferings;eventhen,whentherewasnotarayofhopeinScotland,WilliamWallacewasasproudandfirmasifhehadbeheldthepowerfulandrelentlessEdwardlyingdeadathisfeet.
WhobetrayedWilliamWallaceintheend,isnotquitecertain.
Thathewasbetrayed-probablybyanattendant-istootrue.HewastakentotheCastleofDumbarton,underSIRJOHNMENTEITH,andthencetoLondon,wherethegreatfameofhisbraveryandresolutionattractedimmenseconcoursesofpeopletobeholdhim.
HewastriedinWestminsterHall,withacrownoflaurelonhishead-itissupposedbecausehewasreportedtohavesaidthatheoughttowear,orthathewouldwear,acrownthereandwasfoundguiltyasarobber,amurderer,andatraitor.Whattheycalledarobber(hesaidtothosewhotriedhim)hewas,becausehehadtakenspoilfromtheKing\'smen.Whattheycalledamurderer,hewas,becausehehadslainaninsolentEnglishman.Whattheycalledatraitor,hewasnot,forhehadneverswornallegiancetotheKing,andhadeverscornedtodoit.HewasdraggedatthetailsofhorsestoWestSmithfield,andtherehangedonahighgallows,tornopenbeforehewasdead,beheaded,andquartered.HisheadwassetuponapoleonLondonBridge,hisrightarmwassenttoNewcastle,hisleftarmtoBerwick,hislegstoPerthandAberdeen.
But,ifKingEdwardhadhadhisbodycutintoinches,andhadsenteveryseparateinchintoaseparatetown,hecouldnothavedispersedithalfsofarandwideashisfame.Wallacewillberememberedinsongsandstories,whiletherearesongsandstoriesintheEnglishtongue,andScotlandwillholdhimdearwhileherlakesandmountainslast.
Releasedfromthisdreadedenemy,theKingmadeafairerplanofGovernmentforScotland,dividedtheofficesofhonouramongScottishgentlemenandEnglishgentlemen,forgavepastoffences,andthought,inhisoldage,thathisworkwasdone.
Buthedeceivedhimself.ComynandBruceconspired,andmadeanappointmenttomeetatDumfries,inthechurchoftheMinorites.
ThereisastorythatComynwasfalsetoBruce,andhadinformedagainsthimtotheKing;thatBrucewaswarnedofhisdangerandthenecessityofflight,byreceiving,onenightashesatatsupper,fromhisfriendtheEarlofGloucester,twelvepenniesandapairofspurs;thatashewasridingangrilytokeephisappointment(throughasnow-storm,withhishorse\'sshoesreversedthathemightnotbetracked),hemetanevil-lookingservingman,amessengerofComyn,whomhekilled,andconcealedinwhosedresshefoundlettersthatprovedComyn\'streachery.Howeverthismaybe,theywerelikelyenoughtoquarrelinanycase,beinghot-
headedrivals;and,whatevertheyquarrelledabout,theycertainlydidquarrelinthechurchwheretheymet,andBrucedrewhisdaggerandstabbedComyn,whofelluponthepavement.WhenBrucecameout,paleanddisturbed,thefriendswhowerewaitingforhimaskedwhatwasthematter?\'IthinkIhavekilledComyn,\'saidhe.\'Youonlythinkso?\'returnedoneofthem;\'Iwillmakesure!\'andgoingintothechurch,andfindinghimalive,stabbedhimagainandagain.KnowingthattheKingwouldneverforgivethisnewdeedofviolence,thepartythendeclaredBruceKingofScotland:gothimcrownedatScone-withoutthechair;andsetuptherebelliousstandardonceagain.
WhentheKingheardofithekindledwithfiercerangerthanhehadevershownyet.HecausedthePrinceofWalesandtwohundredandseventyoftheyoungnobilitytobeknighted-thetreesintheTempleGardenswerecutdowntomakeroomfortheirtents,andtheywatchedtheirarmourallnight,accordingtotheoldusage:someintheTempleChurch:someinWestminsterAbbey-andatthepublicFeastwhichthentookplace,heswore,byHeaven,andbytwoswanscoveredwithgoldnetworkwhichhisminstrelsplaceduponthetable,thathewouldavengethedeathofComyn,andwouldpunishthefalseBruce.Andbeforeallthecompany,hechargedthePrincehisson,incasethatheshoulddiebeforeaccomplishinghisvow,nottoburyhimuntilitwasfulfilled.NextmorningthePrinceandtherestoftheyoungKnightsrodeawaytotheBorder-countrytojointheEnglisharmy;andtheKing,nowweakandsick,followedinahorse-litter.
Bruce,afterlosingabattleandundergoingmanydangersandmuchmisery,fledtoIreland,wherehelayconcealedthroughthewinter.
Thatwinter,EdwardpassedinhuntingdownandexecutingBruce\'srelationsandadherents,sparingneitheryouthnorage,andshowingnotouchofpityorsignofmercy.Inthefollowingspring,Brucereappearedandgainedsomevictories.Inthesefrays,bothsidesweregrievouslycruel.Forinstance-Bruce\'stwobrothers,beingtakencaptivesdesperatelywounded,wereorderedbytheKingtoinstantexecution.Bruce\'sfriendSirJohnDouglas,takinghisownCastleofDouglasoutofthehandsofanEnglishLord,roastedthedeadbodiesoftheslaughteredgarrisoninagreatfiremadeofeverymovablewithinit;whichdreadfulcookeryhismencalledtheDouglasLarder.Bruce,stillsuccessful,however,drovetheEarlofPembrokeandtheEarlofGloucesterintotheCastleofAyrandlaidsiegetoit.
TheKing,whohadbeenlaidupallthewinter,buthaddirectedthearmyfromhissick-bed,nowadvancedtoCarlisle,andthere,causingthelitterinwhichhehadtravelledtobeplacedintheCathedralasanofferingtoHeaven,mountedhishorseoncemore,andforthelasttime.Hewasnowsixty-nineyearsold,andhadreignedthirty-fiveyears.Hewassoill,thatinfourdayshecouldgonomorethansixmiles;still,evenatthatpace,hewentonandresolutelykepthisfacetowardstheBorder.Atlength,helaydownatthevillageofBurgh-upon-Sands;andthere,tellingthosearoundhimtoimpressuponthePrincethathewastorememberhisfather\'svow,andwasnevertorestuntilhehadthoroughlysubduedScotland,heyieldeduphislastbreath.
CHAPTERXVII-ENGLANDUNDEREDWARDTHESECOND
KINGEdwardtheSecond,thefirstPrinceofWales,wastwenty-threeyearsoldwhenhisfatherdied.Therewasacertainfavouriteofhis,ayoungmanfromGascony,namedPIERSGAVESTON,ofwhomhisfatherhadsomuchdisapprovedthathehadorderedhimoutofEngland,andhadmadehissonswearbythesideofhissick-bed,nevertobringhimback.But,thePrincenosoonerfoundhimselfKing,thanhebrokehisoath,assomanyotherPrincesandKingsdid(theywerefartooreadytotakeoaths),andsentforhisdearfriendimmediately.
Now,thissameGavestonwashandsomeenough,butwasareckless,insolent,audaciousfellow.HewasdetestedbytheproudEnglishLords:notonlybecausehehadsuchpowerovertheKing,andmadetheCourtsuchadissipatedplace,but,also,becausehecouldridebetterthantheyattournaments,andwasused,inhisimpudence,tocutverybadjokesonthem;callingone,theoldhog;another,thestage-player;another,theJew;another,theblackdogofArdenne.
Thiswasaspoorwitasneedbe,butitmadethoseLordsverywroth;andthesurlyEarlofWarwick,whowastheblackdog,sworethatthetimeshouldcomewhenPiersGavestonshouldfeeltheblackdog\'steeth.
Itwasnotcomeyet,however,nordiditseemtobecoming.TheKingmadehimEarlofCornwall,andgavehimvastriches;and,whentheKingwentovertoFrancetomarrytheFrenchPrincess,ISABELLA,daughterofPHILIPLEBEL:whowassaidtobethemostbeautifulwomanintheworld:hemadeGaveston,RegentoftheKingdom.Hissplendidmarriage-ceremonyintheChurchofOurLadyatBoulogne,wheretherewerefourKingsandthreeQueenspresent(quiteapackofCourtCards,forIdaresaytheKnaveswerenotwanting),beingover,heseemedtocarelittleornothingforhisbeautifulwife;butwaswildwithimpatiencetomeetGavestonagain.
Whenhelandedathome,hepaidnoattentiontoanybodyelse,butranintothefavourite\'sarmsbeforeagreatconcourseofpeople,andhuggedhim,andkissedhim,andcalledhimhisbrother.Atthecoronationwhichsoonfollowed,Gavestonwastherichestandbrightestofalltheglitteringcompanythere,andhadthehonourofcarryingthecrown.ThismadetheproudLordsfiercerthanever;thepeople,too,despisedthefavourite,andwouldnevercallhimEarlofCornwall,howevermuchhecomplainedtotheKingandaskedhimtopunishthemfornotdoingso,butpersistedinstylinghimplainPiersGaveston.
TheBaronsweresounceremoniouswiththeKingingivinghimtounderstandthattheywouldnotbearthisfavourite,thattheKingwasobligedtosendhimoutofthecountry.Thefavouritehimselfwasmadetotakeanoath(moreoaths!)thathewouldnevercomeback,andtheBaronssupposedhimtobebanishedindisgrace,untiltheyheardthathewasappointedGovernorofIreland.EventhiswasnotenoughforthebesottedKing,whobroughthimhomeagaininayear\'stime,andnotonlydisgustedtheCourtandthepeoplebyhisdotingfolly,butoffendedhisbeautifulwifetoo,whoneverlikedhimafterwards.
HehadnowtheoldRoyalwant-ofmoney-andtheBaronshadthenewpowerofpositivelyrefusingtolethimraiseany.HesummonedaParliamentatYork;theBaronsrefusedtomakeone,whilethefavouritewasnearhim.HesummonedanotherParliamentatWestminster,andsentGavestonaway.Then,theBaronscame,completelyarmed,andappointedacommitteeofthemselvestocorrectabusesinthestateandintheKing\'shousehold.Hegotsomemoneyontheseconditions,anddirectlysetoffwithGavestontotheBorder-country,wheretheyspentitinidlingawaythetime,andfeasting,whileBrucemadereadytodrivetheEnglishoutofScotland.For,thoughtheoldKinghadevenmadethispoorweaksonofhisswear(assomesay)thathewouldnotburyhisbones,butwouldhavethemboiledcleaninacaldron,andcarriedbeforetheEnglisharmyuntilScotlandwasentirelysubdued,thesecondEdwardwassounlikethefirstthatBrucegainedstrengthandpowereveryday.
ThecommitteeofNobles,aftersomemonthsofdeliberation,ordainedthattheKingshouldhenceforthcallaParliamenttogether,onceeveryyear,andeventwiceifnecessary,insteadofsummoningitonlywhenhechose.Further,thatGavestonshouldoncemorebebanished,and,thistime,onpainofdeathifheevercameback.TheKing\'stearswereofnoavail;hewasobligedtosendhisfavouritetoFlanders.Assoonashehaddoneso,however,hedissolvedtheParliament,withthelowcunningofamerefool,andsetofftotheNorthofEngland,thinkingtogetanarmyabouthimtoopposetheNobles.AndonceagainhebroughtGavestonhome,andheapeduponhimalltherichesandtitlesofwhichtheBaronshaddeprivedhim.
TheLordssaw,now,thattherewasnothingforitbuttoputthefavouritetodeath.Theycouldhavedoneso,legally,accordingtothetermsofhisbanishment;buttheydidso,Iamsorrytosay,inashabbymanner.LedbytheEarlofLancaster,theKing\'scousin,theyfirstofallattackedtheKingandGavestonatNewcastle.
Theyhadtimetoescapebysea,andthemeanKing,havinghispreciousGavestonwithhim,wasquitecontenttoleavehislovelywifebehind.Whentheywerecomparativelysafe,theyseparated;
theKingwenttoYorktocollectaforceofsoldiers;andthefavouriteshuthimselfup,inthemeantime,inScarboroughCastleoverlookingthesea.ThiswaswhattheBaronswanted.TheyknewthattheCastlecouldnotholdout;theyattackedit,andmadeGavestonsurrender.HedeliveredhimselfuptotheEarlofPembroke-thatLordwhomhehadcalledtheJew-ontheEarl\'spledginghisfaithandknightlyword,thatnoharmshouldhappentohimandnoviolencebedonehim.
Now,itwasagreedwithGavestonthatheshouldbetakentotheCastleofWallingford,andtherekeptinhonourablecustody.TheytravelledasfarasDedington,nearBanbury,where,intheCastleofthatplace,theystoppedforanighttorest.WhethertheEarlofPembrokelefthisprisonerthere,knowingwhatwouldhappen,orreallylefthimthinkingnoharm,andonlygoing(ashepretended)
tovisithiswife,theCountess,whowasintheneighbourhood,isnogreatmatternow;inanycase,hewasboundasanhonourablegentlemantoprotecthisprisoner,andhedidnotdoit.Inthemorning,whilethefavouritewasyetinbed,hewasrequiredtodresshimselfandcomedownintothecourt-yard.Hedidsowithoutanymistrust,butstartedandturnedpalewhenhefounditfullofstrangearmedmen.\'Ithinkyouknowme?\'saidtheirleader,alsoarmedfromheadtofoot.\'IamtheblackdogofArdenne!\'ThetimewascomewhenPiersGavestonwastofeeltheblackdog\'steethindeed.Theysethimonamule,andcarriedhim,inmockstateandwithmilitarymusic,totheblackdog\'skennel-WarwickCastle-
whereahastycouncil,composedofsomegreatnoblemen,consideredwhatshouldbedonewithhim.Somewereforsparinghim,butoneloudvoice-itwastheblackdog\'sbark,Idaresay-soundedthroughtheCastleHall,utteringthesewords:\'Youhavethefoxinyourpower.Lethimgonow,andyoumusthunthimagain.\'
Theysentencedhimtodeath.HethrewhimselfatthefeetoftheEarlofLancaster-theoldhog-buttheoldhogwasassavageasthedog.Hewastakenoutuponthepleasantroad,leadingfromWarwicktoCoventry,wherethebeautifulriverAvon,bywhich,longafterwards,WILLIAMSHAKESPEAREwasbornandnowliesburied,sparkledinthebrightlandscapeofthebeautifulMay-day;andtheretheystruckoffhiswretchedhead,andstainedthedustwithhisblood.
WhentheKingheardofthisblackdeed,inhisgriefandragehedenouncedrelentlesswaragainsthisBarons,andbothsideswereinarmsforhalfayear.But,itthenbecamenecessaryforthemtojointheirforcesagainstBruce,whohadusedthetimewellwhiletheyweredivided,andhadnowagreatpowerinScotland.
IntelligencewasbroughtthatBrucewasthenbesiegingStirlingCastle,andthattheGovernorhadbeenobligedtopledgehimselftosurrenderit,unlessheshouldberelievedbeforeacertainday.
Hereupon,theKingorderedthenoblesandtheirfighting-mentomeethimatBerwick;but,thenoblescaredsolittlefortheKing,andsoneglectedthesummons,andlosttime,thatonlyonthedaybeforethatappointedforthesurrender,didtheKingfindhimselfatStirling,andeventhenwithasmallerforcethanhehadexpected.However,hehad,altogether,ahundredthousandmen,andBrucehadnotmorethanfortythousand;but,Bruce\'sarmywasstronglypostedinthreesquarecolumns,onthegroundlyingbetweentheBurnorBrookofBannockandthewallsofStirlingCastle.
Ontheveryevening,whentheKingcameup,Brucedidabraveactthatencouragedhismen.HewasseenbyacertainHENRYDEBOHUN,anEnglishKnight,ridingaboutbeforehisarmyonalittlehorse,withalightbattle-axeinhishand,andacrownofgoldonhishead.ThisEnglishKnight,whowasmountedonastrongwar-horse,casedinsteel,stronglyarmed,andable(ashethought)tooverthrowBrucebycrushinghimwithhismereweight,setspurstohisgreatcharger,rodeonhim,andmadeathrustathimwithhisheavyspear.Bruceparriedthethrust,andwithoneblowofhisbattle-axesplithisskull.
TheScottishmendidnotforgetthis,nextdaywhenthebattleraged.RANDOLPH,Bruce\'svaliantNephew,rode,withthesmallbodyofmenhecommanded,intosuchahostoftheEnglish,allshininginpolishedarmourinthesunlight,thattheyseemedtobeswallowedupandlost,asiftheyhadplungedintothesea.But,theyfoughtsowell,anddidsuchdreadfulexecution,thattheEnglishstaggered.ThencameBrucehimselfuponthem,withalltherestofhisarmy.Whiletheywerethushardpressedandamazed,thereappeareduponthehillswhattheysupposedtobeanewScottisharmy,butwhatwerereallyonlythecampfollowers,innumberfifteenthousand:whomBrucehadtaughttoshowthemselvesatthatplaceandtime.TheEarlofGloucester,commandingtheEnglishhorse,madealastrushtochangethefortuneoftheday;
butBruce(likeJacktheGiant-killerinthestory)hadhadpitsdugintheground,andcoveredoverwithturfsandstakes.Intothese,astheygavewaybeneaththeweightofthehorses,ridersandhorsesrolledbyhundreds.TheEnglishwerecompletelyrouted;
alltheirtreasure,stores,andengines,weretakenbytheScottishmen;somanywaggonsandotherwheeledvehicleswereseized,thatitisrelatedthattheywouldhavereached,iftheyhadbeendrawnoutinaline,onehundredandeightymiles.ThefortunesofScotlandwere,forthetime,completelychanged;andneverwasabattlewon,morefamousuponScottishground,thanthisgreatbattleofBANNOCKBURN.
PlagueandfaminesucceededinEngland;andstillthepowerlessKingandhisdisdainfulLordswerealwaysincontention.SomeoftheturbulentchiefsofIrelandmadeproposalstoBruce,toaccepttheruleofthatcountry.HesenthisbrotherEdwardtothem,whowascrownedKingofIreland.HeafterwardswenthimselftohelphisbrotherinhisIrishwars,buthisbrotherwasdefeatedintheendandkilled.RobertBruce,returningtoScotland,stillincreasedhisstrengththere.
AstheKing\'sruinhadbeguninafavourite,soitseemedlikelytoendinone.Hewastoopooracreaturetorelyatalluponhimself;andhisnewfavouritewasoneHUGHLEDESPENSER,thesonofagentlemanofancientfamily.Hughwashandsomeandbrave,buthewasthefavouriteofaweakKing,whomnomancaredarushfor,andthatwasadangerousplacetohold.TheNoblesleaguedagainsthim,becausetheKinglikedhim;andtheylayinwait,bothforhisruinandhisfather\'s.Now,theKinghadmarriedhimtothedaughterofthelateEarlofGloucester,andhadgivenbothhimandhisfathergreatpossessionsinWales.Intheirendeavourstoextendthese,theygaveviolentoffencetoanangryWelshgentleman,namedJOHNDEMOWBRAY,andtodiversotherangryWelshgentlemen,whoresortedtoarms,tooktheircastles,andseizedtheirestates.TheEarlofLancasterhadfirstplacedthefavourite(whowasapoorrelationofhisown)atCourt,andheconsideredhisowndignityoffendedbythepreferencehereceivedandthehonoursheacquired;sohe,andtheBaronswhowerehisfriends,joinedtheWelshmen,marchedonLondon,andsentamessagetotheKingdemandingtohavethefavouriteandhisfatherbanished.Atfirst,theKingunaccountablytookitintohisheadtobespirited,andtosendthemaboldreply;butwhentheyquarteredthemselvesaroundHolbornandClerkenwell,andwentdown,armed,totheParliamentatWestminster,hegaveway,andcompliedwiththeirdemands.
Histurnoftriumphcamesoonerthanheexpected.Itaroseoutofanaccidentalcircumstance.ThebeautifulQueenhappeningtobetravelling,cameonenighttooneoftheroyalcastles,anddemandedtobelodgedandentertainedthereuntilmorning.Thegovernorofthiscastle,whowasoneoftheenragedlords,wasaway,andinhisabsence,hiswiferefusedadmissiontotheQueen;
ascuffletookplaceamongthecommonmenoneitherside,andsomeoftheroyalattendantswerekilled.Thepeople,whocarednothingfortheKing,wereveryangrythattheirbeautifulQueenshouldbethusrudelytreatedinherowndominions;andtheKing,takingadvantageofthisfeeling,besiegedthecastle,tookit,andthencalledthetwoDespensershome.Uponthis,theconfederatelordsandtheWelshmenwentovertoBruce.TheKingencounteredthematBoroughbridge,gainedthevictory,andtookanumberofdistinguishedprisoners;amongthem,theEarlofLancaster,nowanoldman,uponwhosedestructionhewasresolved.ThisEarlwastakentohisowncastleofPontefract,andtheretriedandfoundguiltybyanunfaircourtappointedforthepurpose;hewasnotevenallowedtospeakinhisowndefence.Hewasinsulted,pelted,mountedonastarvedponywithoutsaddleorbridle,carriedout,andbeheaded.Eight-and-twentyknightswerehanged,drawn,andquartered.WhentheKinghaddespatchedthisbloodywork,andhadmadeafreshandalongtrucewithBruce,hetooktheDespensersintogreaterfavourthanever,andmadethefatherEarlofWinchester.
Oneprisoner,andanimportantone,whowastakenatBoroughbridge,madehisescape,however,andturnedthetideagainsttheKing.
ThiswasROGERMORTIMER,alwaysresolutelyopposedtohim,whowassentencedtodeath,andplacedforsafecustodyintheTowerofLondon.Hetreatedhisguardstoaquantityofwineintowhichhehadputasleepingpotion;and,whentheywereinsensible,brokeoutofhisdungeon,gotintoakitchen,climbedupthechimney,lethimselfdownfromtheroofofthebuildingwitharope-ladder,passedthesentries,gotdowntotheriver,andmadeawayinaboattowhereservantsandhorseswerewaitingforhim.HefinallyescapedtoFrance,whereCHARLESLEBEL,thebrotherofthebeautifulQueen,wasKing.CharlessoughttoquarrelwiththeKingofEngland,onpretenceofhisnothavingcometodohimhomageathiscoronation.ItwasproposedthatthebeautifulQueenshouldgoovertoarrangethedispute;shewent,andwrotehometotheKing,thatashewassickandcouldnotcometoFrancehimself,perhapsitwouldbebettertosendovertheyoungPrince,theirson,whowasonlytwelveyearsold,whocoulddohomagetoherbrotherinhisstead,andinwhosecompanyshewouldimmediatelyreturn.TheKingsenthim:but,bothheandtheQueenremainedattheFrenchCourt,andRogerMortimerbecametheQueen\'slover.
WhentheKingwrote,againandagain,totheQueentocomehome,shedidnotreplythatshedespisedhimtoomuchtolivewithhimanymore(whichwasthetruth),butsaidshewasafraidofthetwoDespensers.Inshort,herdesignwastooverthrowthefavourites\'
power,andtheKing\'spower,suchasitwas,andinvadeEngland.
HavingobtainedaFrenchforceoftwothousandmen,andbeingjoinedbyalltheEnglishexilestheninFrance,shelanded,withinayear,atOrewell,inSuffolk,whereshewasimmediatelyjoinedbytheEarlsofKentandNorfolk,theKing\'stwobrothers;byotherpowerfulnoblemen;andlastly,bythefirstEnglishgeneralwhowasdespatchedtocheckher:whowentovertoherwithallhismen.
ThepeopleofLondon,receivingthesetidings,woulddonothingfortheKing,butbrokeopentheTower,letoutallhisprisoners,andthrewuptheircapsandhurrahedforthebeautifulQueen.
TheKing,withhistwofavourites,fledtoBristol,whereheleftoldDespenserinchargeofthetownandcastle,whilehewentonwiththesontoWales.TheBristolmenbeingopposedtotheKing,anditbeingimpossibletoholdthetownwithenemieseverywherewithinthewalls,Despenseryieldedituponthethirdday,andwasinstantlybroughttotrialforhavingtraitorouslyinfluencedwhatwascalled\'theKing\'smind\'-thoughIdoubtiftheKingeverhadany.Hewasavenerableoldman,upwardsofninetyyearsofage,buthisagegainednorespectormercy.Hewashanged,tornopenwhilehewasyetalive,cutupintopieces,andthrowntothedogs.
