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

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE.
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of scarcity from interfering with the work of
destruction he had in contemplation.
Wallace heard with sorrow the mighty pre¬
parations that were making for the annihilation
of his country’s independence, and he resolved
to join his old associates and brave along with
them the fury of the storm that was about to
break upon their heads. To his friends who
listened with increasing apprehension to the
progress of the coming war, the hope of his re¬
turn came like a sunbeam through the tem¬
pest that was blackening around them. Before,
however, the French monarch would permit
his departure, the countless host of the invader
had crossed the Tweed and spread its desolat¬
ing squadrons over the adjacent country ; and
those places which manifested the slightest dis¬
position to defend their liberties, were consign¬
ed to indiscriminate carnage. Among the few
places which made any resistance, the castle of
Brechin appears eminently conspicuous. Un¬
der the command of the governor. Sir Thomas
Maule, the garrison maintained a most heroic
defence, and did not give in till the death of
their commander obliged them to surrender.
Wherever the army of Edward now appear¬
ed, the chieftains were found anxiously waiting