The die is cast.
Henceforward Robert Bruce is a Scotchman.

And now, Sir Archibald, what think you my first step should be ?" "The English in Scotland are lulled in security, and a sudden blow upon them will assuredly at first be wholly successful.

You must withdraw suddenly and quietly from here." "It is not easy to do so," Bruce replied.

"Although high in favour with Edward, he has yet some suspicions of me--not," he said bitterly, "without just cause--and would assuredly arrest me did he know that I were going north.

My only plan will be to appear at court as usual, while I send down relays of horses along the northern road.