War went ceaselessly on, and with the march of war went on the ceaseless growth of the Parliament.
[Sidenote: Robert Bruce] The death of Edward the First arrested only for a moment the advance of his army to the north.

The Earl of Pembroke led it across the border, and found himself master of the country without a blow.

Bruce's career became that of a desperate adventurer, for even the Highland chiefs in whose fastnesses he found shelter were bitterly hostile to one who claimed to be king of their foes in the Lowlands.

It was this adversity that transformed the murderer of Comyn into the noble leader of a nation's cause.

Strong and of commanding presence, brave and genial in temper, Bruce bore the hardships of his career with a courage and hopefulness that never failed.