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

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE.
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rock that projected over the road, he was sud¬
denly assailed by the Scots. The confusion oc¬
casioned by their unexpected attack, disconcerted
the English commander, and before he could
recover his troops from their consternation, a
fresh charge threw them into complete disorder.
The strength and valour of the dauntless cham¬
pion of the Scots, rendered the advantage which
their enemies possessed in point of numbers, of
little avail. It must, however, be allowed, that
the desparity in this instance, was not so great
as in some former rencounters. Wallace, ac¬
cording to some authentic accounts, having near
sixty hardy warriors under his command, most
part of whom had distinguished themselves on
former occasions. Karle, or Carl, the progenitor
of the MacCarls, to whom Wallace had pre¬
sented the mace, or staff of steel, which he took
from the porter at the peel of Gargunnock, dis¬
played on this occasion the most determined
bravery ; his formidable weapon was wielded
with a dexterity, which admirably seconded the
efforts of our hero. Sixteen of the English had
fallen beneath the swords of the Scots. When
Wallace came in contact with Sir James Butler,
the conflict was of short duration, the old veteran
was no match for the young patriot, and the
rout became general, when the English saw