Scotland/Scots > Life of Sir William Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie, and Guardian of Scotland

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE.
from his grasp, was caught by Wallace in time
to meet the attack of the others, who now ad¬
vanced to the assistance of their companion; the
first blow which he gave with his newly-acquired
weapon fell with such force on the wrist of one of
his assailants, that hand and sword dropped pow¬
erless to the ground; the head of the third next
felt the strength of his deadly blade, which, de¬
scending through the crashing helmet, scattered
the blood and brains in the faces of the other
two—who, astonished and terrified at the fate of
their companions, hastily regained their horses ;
and fled to their leader to implore his assistance
to revenge the slaughter of their friends. Percy,
on inquiry, having found, that they had only been
opposed by one unarmed Scot, upbraided them
for their cowardice, and with that gallantry pe¬
culiar to his family, forbade all pursuit after so
brave an adversary.
Wallace, having possessed himself of the
horses and accoutrements of his enemies, rode
home to his uncle and acquainted him with his
adventure ; the old man saw, with amazement,
the proofs of the truth of his nephew’s relation,
and expressed his apprehension of the conse¬
quences likely to befall himself if he continued
to harbour one who had given such serious cause
of offence to Percy, who was at that time lieu-