active 1470-1492 Blind Hary

“ That a man born blind should excel in any science is extraordinary, though by no means without example; but that he should become an excellent poet, is almost miraculous; because the soul of poetry is description. ”

“ Although Wallace had been assured that Menteth had taken an oath of fealty to Edward, he would have had no more reason for distrusting him than for distrusting by far the greatest part of the nobility and landholders of Scotland, who, as they believed, from the necessity of despair had submitted to the usurper. ”

“ He does not mean to say that the diction of the Minstrel was low, and thus adapted merely to the vulgar; for then men of all ranks spoke in the same manner: but that his work, as being a collection of what was commonly related in Scotland concerning Wallace, was composed in the vernacular tongue. When he uses the phrase, in quo peritus est, he is not to be understood as uttering so gross a solecism, as to say that Henry was well skilled in the language of the lower classes, but that he was an adept in Scottish poetry; for it is evident that in quo more immediately refers to carmine. ”

“ It is worthy of remark, that Major, after having mustered up several arguments against the probability of Wallace having ever been in France, at once seems to throw them all aside as of little weight, and in conclusion speaks like a man who had hitherto reasoned against his own secret convictions, acknowledging that he is unwilling expressly to deny that Wallace had been there. ”

“ There is a very respectable man in Longforgan, [Perthshire,] of the name of Smith, a weaver, and the farmer of a few acres of land, who has in his possession a stone, which is called Wallace’s Stone. It is what was formerly called in this country a bear stone, hollow like a large mortar, and was made use of to unhusk the bear or barley, as a preparation for the pot, with a large wooden mell, long before barley-mills were known. ”

“ The barns, according to the diction of Blind Harry, seem to have been merely “the English quarters,” erected by order of Edward for the accommodation of his troops. Although denominated barns by the Minstrel, and horreas by Arnold Blair, both writers seem to have used these terms with great latitude, as equivalent to what are now called barracks. It is rather surprising, that our learned annalist should view the loss of upwards of five hundred men, besides women and children, with that of their property, “as an incident of little consequence,” in a great national struggle. ”

“ If the manners of the age do not form a sufficient apology for the cruelty ascribed to Wallace himself; it should be recollected that Scotland had no other chance of liberation from the usurpation of Edward than by the diminution of the number of the invaders, and that it was impossible for a few partisans to retain prisoners. Old Wyntown honestly defends Wallace on the grounds of the provocation given to him, and of his owing the English nothing. ”

“ It is perfectly conceivable, that, although it was known to Wallace that Menteth had some secret understanding with the English, this artful man might persuade him that he only wished an opportunity of wreaking the national vengeance on them, or at least of more effectively serving the interest of Wallace when he saw the proper time. ”

“ I can perceive no force in this remark, unless it be meant to imply that there never has been an instance of a man of noble blood acting the part of a traitor. On the same ground we might quarrel with all the evidence given of the conspiracies formed against Robert Bruce; and even call in question the murder of that amiable and accomplished prince James I.
But “at this time,” we are told, “the important fortress of Dumbarton was committed to his [Menteth’s] charge by Edward.” Here, it would seem, the learned writer fights the poor Minstrel with his own weapons. ”

“ The hero is represented in the ancient Scottish dress and armour, with a shield hanging from his left hand, and leaning lightly on his spear with his right.”
I shall conclude these miscellaneous notices with the just and beautiful reflection made by a statistical writer. After remarking that the principle cascade, in one of the rivulets in the parish of Greenock, “bears the name of Wallace, our brave and disinterested patriot,” he subjoins: “How many monuments, far more durable than statues or columns, has grateful posterity bestowed throughout Scotland on this distinguished friend of liberty! ”

“ If there is any hint as to Wallace having opposed the English in Guienne? If there is any proof that Sir John Menteith was concerned in delivering up Wallace to the English? And if it appears that Menteith acted in concert with Aymer de Valence? To these Mr Ellis gives the following answer:—
“Except at the battle of Falkirk, I see no reason to think that Wallace was ever personally opposed to Edward the First; certainly not during his incursion in 1297, as Edward was then in France. The story of his meeting the queen at St Albans must be a fiction. ”

“ In the castle of Dunbarton they pretend to shew the mail, and, if I mistake not, also the sword of Wallace. If he was confined in that fortress by Menteith, before being sent into England, as some have supposed, it is not improbable that his armour might be left there. The popular belief on this head, however, is very strong; of which I recollect a singular proof, which took place many years ago, and of which I was an eye-witness. In the procession of King Crispin, at Glasgow, his majesty was always preceded by one on horseback, appearing in armour, as his champion. ”

“ Richard de Lundie, Lundin, or London, was a powerful baron in the shire of Fife. He brought five hundred men to Wallace’s aid in the encounter with Macfadyan near Craigmore, in Perthshire.—Lundie, having become dissatisfied with some of the Scottish leaders, was on the side of the English in the battle of Stirling Bridge, September 11, 1297.
“In a charter by King William the Lion to the town of Perth, 1210, one of the witnesses is Robert de London, the king’s son. This natural son of the king had married the heiress of Lundin in Fife, and from her lands took his surname. ”

“ As to the merit of these editions, I am under the necessity of differing from Mr Pinkerton. To me, the editions printed by Freebairn appear more correct than any of the preceding ones, and his Wallace even preferable to the Perth edition, A. 1790; as, bating the liberty used with regard to the orthography, they, in a great variety of instances, give the sense of the original writers more accurately, having evidently been collated with the MSS. of The Bruce and Wallace in the Advocates’ Library. ”

“ Whatever allowances it may be necessary to make for subsequent exaggeration, it is not easily conceivable that an event should be connected with a particular spot, during a succession of ages, without some foundation. ”

“ He says that Menteth was considered as his most intimate friend;—ipsi Vallaceo putatus amicissimus. Hist. Fol. LXXIII. Now, although he rejects many of the transactions recited by Blind Harry “as false,” so far is he from insinuating the slightest hesitation as to this business, that he formally starts an objection as to the imprudence of Wallace in not being more careful of his person, and answers it by remarking, that “no enemy is more dangerous than a domestic one.” ”

“ It is too singular a circumstance, if it had happened, to remain totally unnoticed in any of the English annals. I can find no mention of Wallace’s being in Guienne. I think it was not likely that he should be found there. Scotland and the Border gave him full employ for his short career. No concert is at all noticed in the Lanercost MS. between Aymer de Valence and Sir John Menteith. ”

“ It cannot be denied that the feelings of the reader are often harrowed up by the coarse description which the Minstrel gives of the warlike deeds of his hero, and by the delight which he seems to take in those merciless scenes in which the English were the immediate sufferers. ”

“ He merely says of Wallace: “He left issue only one daughter, who was married to Sir William Baillie of Hoprig,” &c.; adding, “the lands of Elderslee returned to the family of Craigie.” Ruddiman merely says; “Reliquisse unam filiam Willelmus dicitur, quam uxorem duxit D. Willelmus Baillie de Hoprig,” &c.
The only thing that has the semblance of a proof that Wallace was not married, is what follows in the same note. “The estate of Ellerslie went to the Wallaces of Ricardton, as his nearest male heirs.” But their being male heirs might be the reason of their inheriting this property. ”

“ GLASGOW. Now ready, Crown 8vo, 532 pp., Cloth, Price 6s.,
BARBOUR’S BRUCE, Edited from the MS., with Introduction and Notes, by John Jamieson, D.D. A Reprint of the Celebrated Edition of 1820.
“The Reprint is as good as the original, and therefore worth purchasing at once.”—Athenæum.
“Messrs. Ogle & Co. have done good service to Scottish Literature by their Reprint of ‘The Bruce.’”—London Scotsman.
“The present Publishers have just reproduced, in a neat and portable form, ‘The Bruce,’ a work which has justly been regarded as the Æneid of Scotland. ”

“ According to the testimony of Bower, it was from this time forward that he openly appeared as the avenger of the wrongs of his country.
The memory of Wallace is still so fresh in the town of Lanark, that the inhabitants point out the place where he was wont to lodge.
“Tradition tells that the house where Wallace resided was at the head of the Castlegate, opposite the church, where a new house has lately been erected. It also acquaints us, that a private vaulted archway led from this house to Cartlane Craigs, but seemingly without the smallest probability.” P. Lanark, Stat. Acc. XV. 33. ”

“ Decem Scriptores; and Lord Hailes has referred to no authority; so that there is reason to suspect, to use his own language, that he here “copies” what “is said by Blind Harry, whom no historian but Sir Robert Sibbald will venture to quote.” If Harry’s narrative be received as authority, it is but justice to receive his testimony as he gives it. Now, in the preceding part of his work, he represents Menteth as holding the castle of Dunbarton at least with the consent of Wallace, while acknowledged as governor of Scotland. ”

“ THE BRUCE AND WALLACE. A A, one. A, ah. Abad, abode, delay. Abandon, to subject; to let loose; to destroy. Abandonly, also at abandoun, at random. Abowyne, above. Ac, but; and. Acquart, athwart. Adew, done. Adheill, Athol. Afaynd, attempt. Afauld, upright; one. Affer, belong. Affer, condition; warlike preparation; shew. Affray, fear; terror. Aforgayn, opposite to. Agait, on the way. Agatis, uniformly. Agyt, aged. Air, ayr, before; early. Air, ayr, oar. Air, ayr, heir. Air, ayre, itinerant court of justice. Airt, quarter. Alais, alleys. All anys, together. ”

“ Ellerslie, also written Elderslee, is about three miles to the south-west of Paisley, Renfrewshire. The old house, called by Crawfurd, “the castle,” is still habitable. Near it is a tree, which, according to the account I received on the spot, was planted by Wallace himself: but this, like most other traditions, assumes a very different aspect, according to Semple’s narration. ”

“ The other two are; that “Sir John Graham could have no share in the enterprize, for he was killed at Falkirk, 22d July, 1298;” and that “it is not probable that Wallace would have undertaken such an enterprize immediately after the discomfiture at Falkirk.” Although it had been said by mistake that Graham and Comyn were present, this could not invalidate the whole relation; for we often find that leading facts are faithfully narrated in a history, when there are considerable mistakes as to the persons said to have been engaged. ”

“ This account, as regarding Johannes Waleis, must certainly be viewed as a mistake of the writers of these Chronicles. It [Pg xvi] has originated, perhaps, from the circumstance of two brothers of Robert Bruce, Thomas and Alexander, being made prisoners by Macdowal at Lochrian in Galloway, 9th February, 1306–7, and carried to Edward at Carlisle, who ordered them to instant execution. Or it may respect Sir Reginald Crawfurd, the cousin of Wallace, who was made prisoner with them, and subjected to the same fate. Matthew of Westminster says that their heads were placed on the gates of Carlisle. ”

“ But the truth is, the worthy judge does not seem disposed to learn this. It is difficult to say what evidence will satisfy him. The incidental hints, in the preceding part of the poem, in regard to Wallace’s connection with Menteth, all perfectly agree with the mournful termination. Such confidence had he in him, according to the Minstrel, that he not only resided in Dunbarton castle for two months, while Menteth had the charge of it, but gave orders for building “a house of stone” there, apparently that he might enjoy his society.
[Pg 401]
Twa monethis still he duelt in Dunbertane ”

“ But independently of the testimony of Blind Harry, Bower expressly asserts the co-operation of Menteth with Wallace, Graham, and Scrymgeour, in the suppression of the rebellious men of Galloway. In hoc ipso anno [1298] , viz., xxviii die mensis Augusti, dominus Wallas Scotiæ custos, cum Johanne Grhame, et Johanne de Menteith, militibus, necnon Alexandro Scrimzeour constabulario villæ de Dundee, et vexillario Scotiæ, cum quinquagentis militibus armatis, rebelles Gallovidiensis punierunt, qui regis Angliæ et Cuminorum partibus sine aliquo jure steterunt. ”

“ Sir D. Dalrymple remarks; “Barbour says that Sir Brice Blair was executed in company with Sir Reginald Crawfurd; but he erroneously supposes this to have happened in Scotland.” Ann. II. 19, N. Kerr follows him in this assertion. Hist. Bruce, I. 284.
But our worthy senator is so averse to give credit to anything that tends to confirm what he calls “the famous story of the Barns of Air,” that he prefers the single testimony of Matthew of Westminster to that of Barbour; not to mention the later but concurrent one of the Minstrel. ”

“ V. Pinkerton’s Maitland Poems, Intr. LXXXVI. LXXXIX. It is therefore impossible that Bower could have borrowed the account given of Menteth from Blind Harry. Bower was born, indeed, only eighty or eighty-one years after the fact referred to; and, considering the elevation of the character of Wallace, and the great attachment of his countrymen even to this day, as well as the multitude of his enemies, it is totally inconceivable that a whole nation, learned and unlearned, should concur in imputing this crime to one man without the most valid reasons.
Wyntown finished his Cronykil A. 1418. ”

“ Fyve men was chargit to keipe it weill all tid;
Twa wass on fute, and thre on horss couth ride.30
The maistir man at thair serwand can sper;
“Quha aw this sowme? the suth thou to me ler.”
The man ansuerd, with outyn wordis mair;
‘My lordis,’ he said, ‘quhilk schirreff is of Ayr.’
“Sen it is his, this horss sall with ws gang35
“To serwe our lord, or ellis me think gret wrang;
“Thocht a subiet in deid wald pass his lord,
“It is nocht lewyt be na rychtwiss racord.”
Thai cutt the brayss and leyt the harness faw.
Wallace was ner; quhen he sic reueré saw,40
He spak to thaim with manly contenance. ”

“ The wache off thaim as than had litill heid;
Partyt thair men, and diuerss gatis yeid.
Schir Jhone the Grayme, and his gud cumpany,
To Schyr Robert off Thorn full fast thai hy.
Wallace and his to Hesilrige sone past,235
In a heich houss quhar he was slepand fast;
Straik at the dure with his fute hardely,
Quhill bar and braiss in the flour he gart ly.
The schirreff cryt; “Quha makis that gret deray?”
‘Wallace,’ he said, ‘that thow has socht allday.240
‘The womannis dede, will God, thow sall der by.’
Hesilrige thocht it was na tyme to ly;
Out off that houss full fayne he wald haiff beyne. ”

“ Thedyr he past apon the mercate day;
Gret God gif he as than had beyne away!80
His emys serwand to buy him fysche was send,
Schir Ranald Craufurd, schirreff than was kend.
Quhen he had tane of sic gud as he bocht,
The Perseys stwart sadly till him socht,
And said; “Thow Scot, to quhom takis thow this thing?”85
‘To the schirreff,’ he said. “Be hewynnys king,
“My lord sall haiff it; and syne go seke the mar.”
Wallace on gaite ner by was walkand thar:
Till him he yeid, and said; ‘Gud freynd, pray I the,
‘The schirreffis serwand thow wald lat him be.’90
A hetfull man the stwart was of blude ”