GREAT MEN'S BODIES
besides. And a Scotchman—one Wallace—would no doubt have liked a try with him. And we have two big Germans who also might have entered.
WALLACE (1270–1305 A.D.)
"The independence of Scotland appeared to be completely destroyed; the great nobles were reduced to a state of submission, if not of servility; and the power of the King of England was firmly rooted throughout the country. But a change was at hand; and the slumbering fires of patriotism were soon to be kindled into a blaze. The man who was destined to rouse his countrymen from their apathy; and work out the freedom of his native land; was at these times engaged in roaming the hills of Renfrewshire, at the head of a petty band of marauders; and he was that Sir William Wallace, famed through successive ages in song and story.… In those stormy times bodily strength and valor in the field were the first qualities necessary to success; and the strength of Wallace is described as having been prodigious. His size was gigantic; and as he grew towards manhood, there were few men who could meet him in single combat. He was a man of violent passions; and strong hatred of the English; which was evinced by him in early life, and was fostered by those with whom he came in contact. After driving the English from the castles of Brechin, Forfar, Montrose, and other fortresses north of the Forth; he was engaged in the siege of the Castle of Dundee; when he received news of the advance of the English army. Raising the siege, he marched his forces, consisting of 40,000 men, in haste to Stirling, where he arrived before the English army. Wallace took up a favorable position on the banks of the Forth, and a portion of his troops were concealed by the hills. The Earl of Surrey, in command of 50,000 foot and 1000 horse, soon afterwards appeared on the other side of the river; and on observing the strong position of Wallace, he thought it prudent to negotiate with him; and sent messengers to him proposing to treat. The reply of Wallace was bold and decided: 'Return,' he said, 'to those who sent you; and say that we are not here to waste words; but to maintain our rights; and give freedom to Scotland. Let them advance, and we will meet them, beard to beard.'"—Cassell's History of England, I., p. 534.
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