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

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE.
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continue much longer the unequal conflict. At
this critical juncture, Stephen of Ireland, and
those under his command, in obedience to the
signal sounded by their chief, suddenly emerged
from the brushwood, and fell upon the rear of
the enemy with the most determined ferocity.
Surprised and dismayed at so unexpected an
attack, the English fled in the greatest confusion,
followed by the victors, who continued the pur¬
suit, making dreadful carnage among them, till
they reached the boundary of the forest. Here
the terrified fugitives were met by Sir John
Butler, and those under his command, amounting
to about five hundred men. This accession of
force obliged the Scots, in their turn, to retreat
towards their defences—the first of which was
carried by the enemy at the expense of a consi¬
derable number of the bravest of their warriors;
and they had the mortification to find the Scots
had only retired to a second inclosure, from
which Wallace, supported by Cleland, Boyd,
and a few of the most resolute of his followers,
made a sortie, and, after killing a considerable
number, came in contact with Lorans, and at
one blow clove him to the chin. His terrified
followers shrunk aghast frorii the ponderous
weapon of their gigantic adversary. Urged on,
however, by Butler, to revenge the death of their