Grampian Club > Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland > Volume 1

PARISH OF CExVIGIE. 367
and interesting prospect. On the external walls are the following
inscriptions : —
" Erected MDCCCLV,
" In honour of Scotland's great national Hero, the renowned
Sir William Wallace — born MCCLXX — who after performing
numerous exploits of the most consummate bravery in defence of
the independence of his country, was basely betrayed into the hands
of his enemies, by whom, to their everlasting disgTace, he was most
unjustifiably put to death on the XXIII of August, MCCCV.
" Centuries have not dimmed the lustre of his heroic achieve-
ments; and the memory of this most disinterested of patriots
shall through aU ages be honoured and revered by his countrymen,
A soul supreme, in each hard conflict tried,
Above all pain, all passion, and all pride ;
The frown of power, the blast of public breath,
The love of lucre, and the dread of death.
Sir William Wallace ;
Eegent of Scotland MCCXCVII.
" In resistance to treacherous invasion, and in defence of the
laws and liberties of his country, he fought against fearful odds,
the desperate battles of Biggar, Stirling, Black Earnside, and
Ealkirk ; between these actions in little more than a year he
stormed and took from the invaders every fortress, castle, and
town which they had seized in the kingdom. Though worsted at
Falkirk by overwhelming numbers, aided by fatal dissensions in
his own army, his undaunted spirit was not subdued, but ever
animated by the noblest patriotism, he continued warring with the
oppressors of his native land until his foul betrayal, seven years
after that disastrous battle, by the execrable Monteith,
At Wallace' name what Scottish blood
But boils up in a spring-tide flood !
" Ever honoured be the memory of the matchless Sir William
Wallace, the first of his countrymen who in age of despair-, arose
and —
Dar'd to nobly stem tyrannic pride.
throw off the yoke of foreign oppression and maintain the independ-
ence and nationality of Scotland ; and who, by deeds of surpassing
valour and stainless patriotism, has glorified this, his native land,