Elizabeth Burton

ELIZABETH BURTON POET

Uilleam Uallas

Great Patriot of Scotland,
Born in Elderslie.
Destined to be a hero,
With a place in history.

He grew to be a warrior,
To save his Country’s plight,
The Sheriff of Lanark he did slay.
Henceforth, he was bound to fight.

His supporters grew in number,
His people he would incite.
To defend our peace and freedom,
The clans would all unite.

His tactics at Stirling Bridge
Saw victory on home soil.
Though heavily outnumbered
Kind Edward’s plan did spoil.

Soon after, he was knighted.
“Guardian of Scotland” he became.
“Sir William” was his title,
Wallace was his name.

He led the Scottish army,
Their pride and loyalty grew.
His name became a symbol
Of freedom, which would ensue.

But tragedy at Falkirk,
Saw his troops retreat.
Overcome and beaten,
William would admit defeat.

Hunted now by many,
A price put on his head
By Edward the “Longshanks”,
Who longed to see him dead.

He sought refuge in the forests,
An outlaw he became,
His loyal friends stood by him,
But were dared to speak his name.

Betrayed by one he trusted,
In Robroyston he was foiled.
Confined to London Tower,
A trial then embroiled.

Found guilty of high treason,
A charge which he denied.
“I did not swear allegiance,
To an English King”, he cried.

To his gory death-bed
He was taken, from the Tower.
They hung, drew and quartered him
But they could not take his power.

They took away his life-blood,
His body parts displayed.
The Scots vowed to avenge his death.
King Edward was dismayed.

Inspired by his devotion,
To the land from which he came.
Robert the Bruce took up the fight.
All in freedoms name.

But Wallace’s dream was realised,
As we become a Nation again.
Restoring our pride and dignity.
He did not die in vain.

Elizabeth Burton 2010

Thomas of Ercildoune

Historical research has proven that Thomas of Ercildoune (Earlston) in Scotland was a real person; he witnessed a deed whereby one Petrus de Haga obliges himself to make a certain payment to Melrose Abbey. In 1294 Thomas de Ercildoune, son and heir of Thomas Rymour of Ercildoune conveyed to a religious house his inheritance of lands. Legend tells that Thomas the Rhymer foretold the death of Alexander III of Scotland and of William Wallace's success in routing the English presence from Scotland.

I checked on the information I have regarding T.T Rhymer and Wallace. The rhyme goes -

For soothe ere he decease,
Shall many thousands in the field make end.
From Scotland he shall forth the Southron send,
And Scotland thrice he shall bring to peace.
So good of hand again shall ne'er be kenned.

Seemingly he penned this after a meeting with Wallace, on hearing of his death but finding him alive but near to death.

Elizabeth's book is on sale from herself, and in shops in the Borders. All the profits are going to a local Animal Welfare Charity. Her second book, which is mostly about Border Landmarks, including the Uillean Uallas poem, has not yet been printed but should be out before the end of the year. Anyone who would like a copy or to find out more about the author please get in touch and we'll forward on your details.

The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959