When his first division had been overpowered in the assault on the town, his evil genius then suggested that it was best to take the second unbroken into the citadel, and there await the arrival of a reinforcement by sea.

But he thence beheld the ships which had defended the harbor seized by Wallace before his eyes.

Hope was then crushed, and nothing but death or dishonor seemed to be his alternatives.

Cut to the soul at the consequences of his want of judgment, he determined to retrieve his fame by washing out that error with his blood.

To fall under the ruins of Berwick Castle was his resolution.