Sternly, nay, at such a moment it seemed almost harshly, Lord Edward rebuked this weakness, and, conducting them to Slenath, formed some strong entrenchments, of which the Bruce's pavilion was the centre, intending there to wait his brother's recovery.

Ah, my masters, if ye were not with good King Robert then, ye have escaped the bitterest trial.

Ye know not what it was to behold him--the savior of his country, the darling of his people, the noblest knight and bravest warrior who ever girded on a sword--lie there, so pale, so faint, with scarce a voice or passing sigh to say he breathed.

The hand which grasped the weal of Scotland, the arm that held her shield, lay nerveless as the dead; the brain which thought so well and wisely for his fettered land, lay powerless and still; the thrilling voice was hushed, the flashing eye was closed.

The foes were close around him, and true friends in tears and woe beside his couch, were all alike unknown.