Minstrelsy of the Scottish border - National Library of Scotland

254 MINSTRELSY OF
recognized by John Baliol, who, in a charter granted
after his dethronement, and dated at Rutherglen, in the
ninth year of his reign (1302,) styles him " Gustos rcg-
" ill noslri." The treason of William, his successor, oc-
casioned the downfall of the family. This powerful ba-
ron entered into a conspiracy against Robert the Bruce,
in which many persons of rank were engaged. The ob-
ject, according to Barbour, was to elevate Lord Soulis to
the Scottish throne. The plot was discovered by the
Countess of Strathern. Lord Soulis was seized at Ber-
wick, although he was attended, says Barbour, by three
hundred and sixty squires, besides many gallant knights.
Having confessed his guilt, in full parliament, his life
was spared by the king ; but his domains were forfeited,
and he himself confined in the castle of Dumbarton,
where he died. Many of his accomplices were execu-
ted ; among others, the gallant David de Brechin, ne-
phew to the king, whose sole crime was having conceal-
ed the treason, in which he disdained to participate.*
The parliament, in which so much noble blood was shed.
" As the people thronged to the execution of the gallant youth,
they were bitterly rebuked by Sir Ingram de Umfraville, an Eng-
Ush or Nomian knight, then a favourite follower of Robert Bruce.
" Why press you," said he, " to see the dismal catastrophe of so ge-
" nerous a knight ' I have seen ye throng as eagerly aroimd him to
" share his bounty, as now to behold his death." With these words
' lie turned from the scene of blood, and repairing to the King, craved
leave to sell Ids Scottish possessions, and to retire from the comitry.
" My heart," said Umfraville, " will not, for the wealth of the world,