The king was now alone, one man against three, and in the greatest danger of his life; but his amazing strength, and the good armor which he wore, freed him from this great peril, and he killed the three men, one after another. He then left the cottage, very sorrowful for the death of his faithful foster brother, and took his direction toward the place where he had appointed his men to assemble.
III. At the Farmhouse
| gallant | fidelity | weariness | mischief |
| trusty | faithful | sentinels | mentioned |
It was now near night, and the place of meeting being a farmhouse, Bruce went boldly into it, where he found the mistress, an old, true-hearted Scotswoman, sitting alone. Upon seeing a stranger enter, she asked him who he was. The king answered that he was a traveler, who was journeying through the country.
“All travelers,” answered the good woman, “are welcome here for the sake of one.”
“And who is that one,” said the king, “for whose sake you make all travelers welcome?”
“It is our rightful king, Robert the Bruce,” answered the mistress, “who is the lawful lord of this country; and although he is now pursued with hounds and horns, I hope to live to see him king over all Scotland.”
“Since you love him so well, dame,” said the king, “know that you see him before you. I am Robert the Bruce.”
“You!” said the good woman, “and wherefore are you thus alone?—where are all your men?”