Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-01-15
Written for the oxford Democrat.
WILLIAM WALLACE.

Scotland was the great and lasting
trouble of the reign OF King Edward the
/ First.
Alexander the Third, king of Scotland,
died about the year 1885, thirteen years
after the coronation of King Edward.
All their children being dead, the Scot
tish crown became the right Of young
princess only eight years old, the daugh-
ter of Eric, king OF Norway; but untor-
tunatelv, as she was coming over 10
England she fell sick, and landing on
one of the Orkney Islands, died there.
A great confusion now arose over the
vacant throne. King Edward being
much renowned for his sagacity and
Justice. was chosen 10 settle the dispute.
The only two who had any right to the
throne were John Baliol and Robert
Bruce. King Edward chose John Bslioi
(if he would be a vasssl Ia the English
crown: he accepted and was crowned
king of Scotland. The English king
asked great many favors OF John
Balol: but the Scottish king granted
him none. Whereupon the English king
was angry aud marched TO Berwick aud
slew men, women and children. John
Baliol became alarmed at this, and ma
himself In the mountains, but he was
captured and confined in the Tower OF
London.
Now there was In the west OF Scot
land gentleman OF small fortune, nam
ed William Wallace, the second sou oil
Scottish knight. He was man OF great
size and great strength: he was very
brave and very daring: when he spoke
To a body of his own countrymen ne
could rouse them In a most surprising
manner by his eloquent words. He loved
his country and despised England with
all his might. He hated the oyerbearing
Engli-hmen who held office In Scotland.
One day an Englishman IN Office rebuked
him, not knowing what he WAS. Wallace
killed him right then aud there, and took
refuge with his countrvmen, and became
the most determined and courageous
champion Of people struggling Tor
their liberty, that ever lived upon TINS
earth. The English Regent of Scotland
He'd before him, and the Scottish people
took courage and f!ocsed 10 Wallace.
The English king sent two armies into
Scotland. Wallace, with force OF 40
600 men, awaited the invaders at a place
on the River Forth. Across the river
there was only one poor bridge, so mar
row tina, only two men could walk
abreast. When the English army came
up on the other side of the river, they
sent messengers 70 sue for terms of
peace. Wallace sent them back In def
ance. and. like George Washington, who
lived so many centuries afterward,
would accept nothing but the freedom oil
scotland. Whereupon the English com
menced 10 cross. Wallace waited until
5000 hAd crossed the river. "let no
more English cross" cried Wallace. IL
was done, and the 5000 that had crossed
were killed, Ia sight of the remainder OF
the English army, who could give no
help. Cressinghsm, liking Edwards
,rea surer." Was killed.
King Edward was abroad AZ this time,
which enabled the brave Wallace TO win
back the whole of Scotland, aud even 10
ravage the English border; but the king
on hearing of this, concentrated hi-
forces and giving battle 10 Wallace, kill
ed $1,000 Of his men. Probably the brave
Wallace felt like saying what the great
Hrnnihal said. on seeing the head OF his
dead brother, Hasdrubal, "Oh, Carthage,
see thy fate"
Scotland was subdued, but the bold
Wallace. with few of his followers,
alone stood out, taking refuge in the
steep crsgs Of the mountains, where the
eagle built her nest, where the white
snow was deep, and where the wind
sung it, mournful requiem over his un-
sheltered head. Even when the Castle OF
Stirling was taken, William Wallace wa
as proud and as firm as IL he beheid the
hated Edward living dead st his feet.
Who betrayed william Wallace Is not
known. That he was betrayed IL too
true. lie was taken To London, where
he was pronounced "A murderer and a
traitor. What they called II murderer
he was because he had killed an insoleni
Eugli.hman. But Il traitor he was not
for he had never taken an oath 10 the
English king, aud had always scorned To
do il. He was taken To West Smithiield,
and there beheaded in most cruel man
ner.
Though Wallace Is dead, his fame will
be remembered in song and story, while
there are songs and stories, and Scotland
will ever hold him dear while the mount
aims and rivers last. so died one of the
hrsyest Of brave men, that ever fought
for the liberty of his country.
L. NJ. A.