THE MIDDLE AGES. 41 



The tother twa fled to their horse again ; 



He stickit him was last upon the plain. 



Three slew he there, twa fled with all their might 



After their lord ; but he was out of sight, 



Takand the muir, or he and they couth twine. 



Till him they rade anon, or they wald blin, 9 



And cryit, c Lord, abide ; your men are martyred down 



Bight cruelly, here in this false region. 



Five of our court here at the water bade, 10 



Fish for to bring, though it nae profit made. 



We are scaped, but in field slain are three.' 



The lord speirit, 11 'How mony might they be?' 



' We saw but ane that has discomfist us all.' 



Then leugh 12 he loud, and said, ' Foul mot you fall ! 



Sin' ane you all has put to confusion. 



Wha meins it maist the devil of hell him drown ! 



This day for me, in faith, he bees not sought.' 



When Wallace thus this worthy wark had wrought, 



Their horse he took, and gear that left was there, 



Gave ower that craft, he yede to fish nae mau\ 



Went till his erne, and tald him of this deed, 



And he for woe well near worthit to weid, 13 



And said, c Son, thir tidings sits me sore, 



And, be it known, thou may tak scaith therefore.' 



* Uncle,' he said, * I will no langer bide, 



Thir southland horse let see gif I can ride.' 



Then but a child, him service for to mak, 



His erne's sons he wald not with him tak. 



This good knight said, ' Dear cousin, pray I thee, 



When thou wants gude, come fetch eneuch frae me.' 



9 Ere they would stop. 10 Tarried. u Inquired. 



12 Laughed. 13 Nearly went mad. 



4 { 



