Sen Brudus deit, but battaill, bot Wallace.—V. 962.
In editions Brutus: i. e. he who is called the Brute.
Than had we nayn bot ladyis to repruff.
That sall he nocht, be God that is abuff.
Vpon wemen I will na wer begyn.—V. 1437.
In Edit. 1594, ver. 1438 is thus given;
That sall not be, be God that sitis abufe.
This might at first view seem to correspond better with the preceding line, as signifying the determination of Wallace to make no retaliation on the female sex for the treachery of men; but as the author perhaps refers back to what is said in v. 1435, as to the king breaking any truce, made by women, as soon as he found it convenient, and then proceeds to declare that he would make no war on them, I have retained the verse as it is in MS. Thus, it expresses a determination that Edward should have no opportunity of acting so treacherous a part.
A harrold went, in all the haist he may,
Till Tawbane waill, quhar at the Scottis lay.—V. 1497.