of an
ancient family in the west of Scotland, whose courage prompted him to
undertake, and enabled him finally to accomplish, the desperate attempt
of delivering his native country from the dominion of foreigners. This
man, whose valorous exploits are the object of just admiration, but
have been much exaggerated by the traditions of his countrymen, had been
provoked by the insolence of an English officer to put him to death;
and finding himself obnoxious on that account to the severity of the
administration, he fled into the woods, and offered himself as a leader
to all those whom their crimes, or bad fortune, or avowed hatred of the
English, had reduced to a like necessity. He was endowed with gigantic
force of body, with heroic courage of mind, with disinterested
magnanimity, with incredible patience, and ability to bear hunger,
fatigue, and all the severities of the seasons; and he soon acquired,
among those desperate fugitives, that authority to which his virtues
so justly entitled him. Beginning with small attempts, in which he was
always successful, he gradually proceeded to more momentous enterprises;
and he discovered equal caution in securing his followers, and valor in
annoying the enemy. By his knowledge of the country he was enabled,
when pursued, to insure a retreat among the morasses, or forests,
or mountains; and again collecting his dispersed associates, he
unexpectedly appeared in another quarter, and surprised, and routed, and
put to the sword the unwary English. Every day brought accounts of his
great actions, which were received with no less favor by his countrymen
than terror by the enemy: all those who thirsted after military fame
were desirous to partake of his renown: his successful valor seemed to
vindicate the nation from the ignominy into which it had fallen, by its
tame submission to the English; and though no nobleman of note ventured
as yet to join his party, he had gained a general confidence and
attachment, which birth and fortune are not alone able to confer.

Wallace, having, by many fortunate enterprises, brought the valor of his
followers to correspond to his own, resolved to strike a decisive blow
against the English government; and he concerted the plan of attacking
Ormesby at Scone; and of taking vengeance on him for all the violence
and tyranny of which he had been guilty. The justiciary, apprised of his
intentions, fled hastily into England: all the other officers of that
nation