IN the reign of Kenneth the Third, who was a wise and valiant prince, the Danes invaded Scotland with a very large army. They first intended to land in England; but finding all the coast too well guarded, they disembarked at Montrose, in Angus-shire, and committed the most terrible ravages. Kenneth was then at Stirling, and quite unprepared for fighting; but, having collected a few troops, he cut off many of the enemy as they were roaming up and down, though he could not prevent them from besieging Perth. However, as the king's army constantly increased, he resolved to give them battle. The scene of this action was B at Lancarty, near Perth; and, it is said, the king offered ten pounds in silver, or the value of it in land, for the head of every Dane which should be brought him; and promised that all the soldiers who served in his army should be free of all taxes for ever if they were victorious. Notwithstanding the greatest exertions and bravery of the Scots, their enemies fought so desperately, that Kenneth's army gave way, and would have been totally defeated, had they not been stopped in their flight through a narrow pass, by a countryman and his two sons, who encouraged them to rally, and renew the fight; telling them it was more honourable to die fighting for their king and country, than to flee, and be afterwards killed by the cruel Danes. They upbraided those who wished to run away like cowards, and the more timorous stood still; but many of the bold men, who were fleeing rather because they were deserted by their companions, than for want of courage, joined the old man and his sons to stop the rest, till there was a considerable number together. The countrymen, armed with only what their ploughs furnished, leading them on, and returning upon the Danes, made a furious attack, crying aloud, Help is at hand!" The Danes, believing that a fresh army was falling upon them, were dismayed, and totally defeated; and the Scots thus freed their own country from servitude. After the battle, 66 the old man, whose name was Hay, was brought to the king, who assembled a parliament at Scone, and gave to Hay and his two sons as much land on the river Tay as a falcon from a man's hand flew over till it settled, as a just reward for their bravery. This land, six miles in length, was afterwards called Errol; and the king, being willing to promote Hay and his sons to the rank of nobility, assigned them a coat of arms, containing three escutcheons, to shew that the father and two sons had been the three fortunate shields of Scotland. From them are descended the family of the present Earl of Errol. In the year 994, king Kenneth was murdered, at the instigation of a lady, named Fenella, whose son he had caused to be put to death. The murder was committed in her own castle, where she had persuaded the king to pay her a visit. His attendants waited a long time near the place, but at last, their patience being tired, they broke open the doors and found their king dead; this so enraged them, that they set the castle on fire, and it was burned to ashes; but Fenella escaped by a private gate. The throne was then seized by Constantine IV. an usurper, who, after a reign of eighteen months, was slain in battle; and was succeeded by Grimus, who, in his turn, was defeated and killed by Malcolm II. the son of Kenneth, and rightful heir to the Scottish throne, A.D. 1003. CHAPTER II. MALCOLM II. Began to reign, 1003. Assassinated, 1033, aged 80. A GREAT many hundred years ago, the Danes, who were a very fierce and warlike nation, were continually invading England and Scotland, and ravaging the country in the most cruel manner, so that they were the dread and terror of both these nations. Many battles were constantly fought, and the Danes were often driven away, with great slaughter; but they as often returned with new armies, and spread dismay wherever they appeared. In the reign of Malcolm the Second, the son of Kenneth the Third, these terrible enemies frequently landed in Scotland, and were many times victorious. After one victory, they were so elated, that they sent for their wives and children, intending to settle in the country. They treated the Scots in the most oppressive and haughty manner, and employed them in the most servile offices. But all this time Malcolm was raising an army the southern counties: and, having at last got together a great many men, he came up with the in |