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

CHAPTER III.
Wallace heads a body of non-jurors. Battle of Be".
Retires to the Forest of Clydesdale. Some account
of his companions in arms.
The prowess which Wallace had displayed
in his various rencounters with the English, his
almost miraculous escape, and the prediction
given out in the name of \heseer of Erceldoune,
that he was destined to deliver Scotland from
the tyranny of the English, had produced a
wonderful sensation among his countrymen.
From those who were now convened at Ricard-
town, he found that many who had formerly
stood aloof from him, were now willing to enroll
themselves under his command.
As soon therefore as his health would permit, he
resolved to put their good intentions to the trial.
He had, at an early period of his imprisonment,
received the melancholy tidings of the slaughter
of his brother at Lochmaben, and he ardently
longed to revenge his death, as well as the cru¬
elties inflicted upon himself. It was not long