The Sun.
London, England, 1830-06-23 00:00:00

WALLACE AND THE ENGLISH PRIZE-

FIGHTER,

A report had circulated about the country,
that on a day named, a celebrated English prize-
fighter would exhibit on the esplanade at Ayr,
as a general challenger. An occurrence of this
kind had powerful attractions, in an age when
every man required to know something of the
use of a sword. Scots, as well as English, be-
came deeply interested as the day of exhibition
drew on ; and 'Wallace, instigated partly by cii•
riosity, and partly by a wish to acquire informa-
tion respecting the numbers and the motions of
his enemies, determined to be present. Having
equipped himself and fifteen of his companions
with dresses which concealed their habergeons,
he proceeded to the scene of action. Their
horses they left in a place of safety outside the
town, and then made their entry from different
directions, in such numbers as would not attract
the notice of their enemies.
In the midst of the crowd collected to witness
the feats of the English champion, Wallace
stood, with his face partially concealed in his
cloak, to all appearance an unconcerned specta-
tor, till he saw several of his countrymen, who
had been baffled by the superior dexterity of
their more practised antagonist, afterwards scoffed
at, and otherwise insulted by the English sol-
diery. The feelings which this conduct excited
were displayed on the fine expressive counte-
nance of our hero, in such a manner as did not
escape the notice of the victor; and the latter,
flushed with his success, invited him to a trial of
his skill.' 'Wallace readily accepted the chal-
lenge ; and drawing his sword, prepared for the
onset. The ease and grace with which he
handled his weapon soon convinced the English
that their " bukler-player" had at last engaged
in a perilous enterprise. _His art and agility
appeared unavailing against the cool self-
possession of the Scot, who, after a few passes,
became the assailant; and a blow which
descended with the rapidity of lightning,
laid the arrogant gladiator dealr at his feet.
This unexpected interruption of their amuse-
ment irritated the English ; but when they
discovered, in the successful combatant, the bold
and audacious outlaw with whom they had been
so lately engaged, they eagerly crowded round,
and endeavoured to prevent his escape. Unap-
palled by the numbers with whom he was en-
vironed, he dealt his blows in all directions with
unerring and -deadly effect, while his followers,.
drawing their swords, attacked those who were
nearest them with a fury that spread consterna-
tion and uproar through the whole assemblage.
The English, finding themselves assailed from
so many quarters, conceived that they were sur-
rounded by a multitude of enemies. Wallace,
always first in the place of danger, according to
the homely, but expressive phraseology of Blind
Harry, " Gret rozome" about him " maid ;"
and the enemy had already begun to give
way, when an additional force from the castle
made its appearance. The battle was now re-
newed with redoubled fury on both sides ;
and the capture of our hero being the prin-
cipal object in view, he became the subject of
their most inveterate 'hostility. The few, how-
ever, who ventured within his reach, soon paid the
forfeit of their temerity. Having collected his
companions in a body, he fearlessly advanced
into the centre of the English, diminishing their
numbers with every stroke of his broadsword,
while his followers pressed with determined fero-
city upon those who attempted to intercept him.
From the increasing number of his opponents,

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