The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-11-15
WHOLE No. 263.
LESSON FROM SCOTCH HISTORY.
ooh, Douglas, for thy leading wand,
Fierce Randolph, for thy speedl"

In these times of danger and distress,
when generals and politicians quarrel for
precedence, while the land is ruined, and
one officer, moved by personal rivalry or
Jealous spite, refuses aid to another in dis
tress, perhaps story of by-gon times may
help us to comprehend the true spirit of
chivalrous emulation and generous rivalry
which should animate our leaders and our
armies.
When Robert Bruce was fighting for
Scottish liberty against the invading King
of England, there were among the little
band of tried and valiant friends who sur
rounded him, two especially distinguished
for bravery and devotion, and for their ri
valry in deeds of danger and daring. :
These were, Randolph. Earl of Moray,
the Kings nephew, and James, Earl of
Douglas, surnamed 'the good" who thrice
destroyed his own Castle of Hermitage to
prevent it from affording shelter to the
Southern foe, aud who while journeYing to
the Holy Land with the Bruce's heart, en-
gagged in battle with the Moors in Spain,ard
was killed in striving to save the life of .
comrade oyerpowered by numbers. ~
Many wonderful tales are told of the pa
tient fortitude and daring of these rival
captains, but none think that tell of traits
more noble or more worthy of imitation
than these two instances of their willing
ness to sacrifice self upon the altar of their
own manhood and their country's freedom.
After the victory of Bannockburn, Rob-
ert Bruce determined to become in his turn
the invader, and crossing the Tweed was
able, by forced marches, to surprise and put
to flight the English army near Biland Alb
hey.
The enemy was strongly posted upon the
side of hill, accessible only by one mar
row and difficult path. and Bruce ordered
Douglas to storm the position. As the lat
ter was about to commence the ascent, he
was joined by Earl Randolph, attended by
four squires, who begged permission to
serve under him. Leave was gladly ac-
corded, and Randolph fought bravely as 2
private in the ranks. When such a spirit
animated the chiefs, how could the armies
fail of victory
On the day before the battle of Bannock-
burn, the Scottish army being in position,
the command of the left was intrusted to
Randolph, with orders to keep strict watch
that no English passed to relieve Stirling
; Castle. But Bruce's eagle eyes detected
r the glimmer of the Southern lances, and
riding up to his nephew, he exclaimed,
''See, Randolph, rose has fallen from your
chaplet !" "Ah,'' said the Earl. ''my
wreath shall bloom again or my life fade
tool" and calling around him a little band
of footmen, he rushed against the foe, who
speedily surrounded them. "Ah, my
: liege," said the Douglas, Earl Randolph
has but one man to ten, let me 60 to aid
him. ''Not So" replied the King, ''let
him redeem his own error I will not weak
en- or change my order of battle" But the
noise of strife grew louder, and higher
sweled the heart of Douglas. my liege.'
he said, ''my heart will not suffer me to
stay by and see Randolph perish must
l needs 60 to aid him - and. followed by all
his train, he galloped to the top of hill,
where be saw the struggle.
Halt, my men," he cried, "see where
; the English horses run riderless over the
field, and Earl Randolph's banner towers
above the pursuers Halt here. for we are
, TOO late to share the contest, and our pres.
ence might impair the glory we are too late
to VIM
Who could doubt that under leaders like
these handful of men could march 10 Ger.
; tain victory +? f
q. le