Fearing the castle, and troops also,

Gard’ner and Hamilton’s dragoons

Which lay encampt between the towns

Of St. Ninians and Stirling wall,

Impatiently waiting the call,

Thinking John Cope was on their rear,

Though no tidings could from him hear.

They watch’d their motions day and night

But five miles distant in their sight;

Until inform’d by an express,