ruler in fact as
well as in name. He had suffered many defeats; he had wandered a
fugitive in forests and glens; he had been hunted with bloodhounds
like a wild beast; but he had never lost courage or hope. On the
field of Bannockburn, northwest of Edinburgh (1314), he once again met
the English, and in a bloody and decisive battle drove them back like
frightened sheep into their own country. (See map facing p. 120.) By
this victory, Bruce reestablished the independence of Scotland,--an
independence which continued until the rival kingdoms were peacefully
united under one crown, by the accession of the Scottish King, James,
to the English throne (1603).

232. The New Favorites; the King made Prisoner (1314-1326).

For the next seven years the Earl of Lancaster (S23) had his own way
in England. During this time Edward, whose weak nature needed some
one to lean on, had got two new favorites,--Hugh Despenser and his
son. They were men of more character than Gaveston (S230), but as
they cared chiefly for their own interests, they incurred the hatred
of the baronage.

The King's wife, Isabelle of France, now turned against him. She had
formerly acted as a peacemaker, but from this time she did all in her
power to make trouble. Roger Mortimer, one of the leaders of the
barons, was the sworn enemy of the Despensers. The Queen had formed a
guilty attachment for him. The reign of Mortimer and Isabelle was "a
reign of terror." Together they plotted the ruin of Edward and his
favorites. They raised a force, seized and executed the Despensers
(1326), and then took the King prisoner.

233. Deposition and Murder of the King (1327).

Having locked up Edward in Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, the barons
now resolved ot remove him from the throne. Parliament drew up
articles of deposition against him, and appointed commissioners to
demand his resignation of the throne.

When they went to the castle, Edward appeared before them clad in deep
mourning. Presently he sank fainting to the floor. On his recovery
he burst into a fit of weeping. But, checking himself, he thanked
Parliament through the commissioners for having chosen his eldest son
Edward, a boy of fourteen, to rule over the nation.

Sir William Trussel then stepped forward and said: "Unto thee, O King,
I, William Trussel, in the name of all men of this land of England and
Speaker of this Parliament, renounce to you, Edward, the homage [oath
of allegianc