Conflict Between Randolph and Clifford
Stung by such words, the Earl of Moray, leaving the centre, at the head of a select body of infantry, hasted at all hazards to repair his error. As he advanoed, Clifford's squadron wheeled round, and putting their spears in rest, charged him at full speed, but Randolph had formed his infantry in a square presenting a front on all sides, with the spears fixed before them;-f- and although he had only five hundred men, he awaited the shock of Clifford with with such firmness, that many of the English were unhorsed, and Sir William Daynecourt, an officer of note, who had been more forward in his attack than his companions, was slain.Unable to make any impression upon Randolph's square by this first attack, the English proceeded more leisurely to surround him on all sides, and by a second furious and simultaneous charge on each front, endeavoured to break the line. But the light armour, the long spears, atid the short knives and battle-axes of the Scottish foot, proved a match for the heavy armed English cavalry, and a desperate conflict ensued, in which Randolph's little square, although it stood firm, seemed likely to be crushed to pieces by the heavy metal which was brought against it. All this passed in the sight of Bruce who was surrounded by his officers. At length Sir James Douglas earnestly requested to he allowed to go with a reinforcement to his relief. "You shall not stir a foot from your ground," said the king, "and let Randolph extricate himself as best he can; I will not alter my order of battle, and lose my advantage, whatever may befall him. My liege," answered Douglas, "I cannot stand by, and see Randolph perish, when I may bring him help; so by your leave I must away to his succour." Bruce unwillingly consented, and Douglas immediately held his way towards Randolph.