The Goodhue volunteer. [volume] (Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minn.) 1861-1864, 1862-12-03
A Lesson in Scotch History.
60, Douglas, for thy leading wand,
Fierce Randolph, for. thy speed ~

! 49,. A Lesson In Scotch History.
stO, Douglas. for thy leading wand.
Fierce Randolph, for thy spced!n
In these times Of danger and distress
when generals and politicians quarrel 70,
precedence, while the land IS ruined, and
) one officer, moved by personal rivalry Or by
jealous spite, refuses aid to another, in dis.
tress, perhaps a story of by gone times may
help us to comprehend the true spirit oI
|chivalrous emulation and generous rivalry
which should animate our leaders and our
armies. ILL.,,
When Robert Bruce was fighting 70,
Scottish Liberty against the invading King
of England, there were. among tie little
band Of tried and valiant friends who sur
rounded him. two.. especially distinguished
! for bravery ana~devot;on, ard fe- their riy
airy in deeds Of danger and daring.
These We're Randolph, Earl of Moray. the
Kings nephew, and James, Earl of Doug
las, surnamed the good" who thrice de.
stroyed his own castle Of Hermitage to pre-
vent it affording shelter to the s.. uthern foe
and who, while journeying to the Holy
Land with the Bruce's heart, engaged in
battle with the Moors Of Spin, and was
killed in striving to save the life of com.
rade overpowered by numbers
Many wonderful tales are told of the pa
t'ent fortitude Of these rival captains, but
none that tell Of traits more noble and more
worthy OF Imitation than these two instan
ces of their willingness to sacrifice self upon
the altar of their own manhood and thei,
country's freedom
After the victory of Bannock burn, Rober,
Bruce determined TO become the invader
and alter crossing the Tweed was able-by
forced marches, to surprise ard put to high;
the English army near bibland Abbey.
The enemy was strongly posted on tho
side of hill accessible only by nne narrow
and difficult path, and Bruce ordered Doug.
las TO storm the position As the latter wa
about to commence the ascent, he was ioneC
by Earl Randolph, attended by four squire.
who begged permission to serve unde
him. Leave was gladly accorded, and Ran
doIph fought bravelyas private in tht
ranks. When such . spirit animated tn,
chiefs, how could the armies fai, of victory
On the day before the battle Of Bannock
burn, the Scottish army being in position
he command of the left wing WAS entrusted
to handolph, with orders to keep a s,ric
wa ch that no English passed to re'cy,
Sterling Castle. Bat Bruce's keen ewes de
sected the gfim:ner of the Southern lances
and riding to his nephew he exclaimed
=" See, Randolph, rose has fallen from you
chaplet J" "Ah" said the Ea,l, an,
wreath shall blpom again or my life fad:
too - and calling around him a little bane
Of foo'men, he rushed against the foe, VIII,
speedily surrounded them. "Ah, my litgc,
said the Douglas, Earl Randolph has bu
ore man to ten let me 20 to aid him -
mo so,' replied the King, "!ct him re
deem his own error; will not weaken O
change my order Of battle'' But the nois.
OF battle grew !oule', and higher swellet
the heart Of Douglas. "My liege," he said
my heart will not suffer me to stay by an
see Randolph perish; l must needs 90 t.
aid him )" and followed by all his ,.a;n, b
gallopcd to the top Of a hill, where he say
he struggle.
Halt, my men, he cried, "sce whcr
the English horses run riie:less over Ia
field, and Earl Rardo]ph's banner tower
above the foe. Halt here, for we are to
late to share the contest, and our presenc
might impair the glory We are too late ,
win.'
Who would doubt that under leaders lik
these handful Of men could march to Ger
tain victory.