Scotch poet, Robert Burns, pictured to himself the national hero of Scotland, Robert Bruce, addressing his soldiers before the battle of Bannockburn, and wrote what he imagined Bruce might have said. The battle was fought near Sterling in 1314, between the Scotch and the army of Edward II of England. Bruce reminds his men of their history, of how they had bled with Wallace, a Scotch leader of the thirteenth century who had risen against the English when that people invaded the Highlands, and of how they had followed Bruce himself in many a battle. It is a fine appeal to the always ardent patriotism of his countrymen.

The English army greatly outnumbered the Scotch, but were decisively beaten, and Edward II narrowly escaped being taken prisoner.

by Robert Burns

lay,—", "") ?>
addressed:—", "") ?>
bled—", "") ?> led—", "") ?>
power—", "") ?>

fa'—", "") ?>