[102] The rock on which the castle stood, was then known, as it is to this day, by the name of _Crag-an-àradh_, or the _rock of the ladder_. The Minstrel calls it _Crage unyn_. This deviation is extremely small, and more in the orthography than the orthoepy. The West-Highlanders pronounce _crag-an-àradh_, nearly as if spelled _craganari_. The difference may have easily occurred in the act of transcribing. The mode of crossing the ravine as above described, was in use till the present road was made by government, when a bridge was substituted for the less commodious expedient of a ladder.
[107] The military genius of Bruce had not yet developed itself. Nothing can exhibit a greater contrast than the early and the later career of this illustrious individual. The indecision and inertness which mark his first appearance in public life, and the sublimity of heroism to which he afterwards attained, almost entitle him to be considered as the Cimon of Scottish history.
[108] Some curious and authentic information on this subject may be found in vol. i. p. 252-260 of Tytler’s History of Scotland,--a valuable work at present in the course of publication.
[109] “The vestiges of Tiber Castle, which has been a large building, are to be seen on the banks of the Nith. A small part of the wall next the river remains; fosses are visible; and some intrenchments, where it was most accessible. It is supposed that the barony of _Tiber_ is named from Tiber, or Tiberius. There is a Roman encampment too. The English had a garrison in this castle, in the time of Sir William Wallace, who took it by surprise.”--_Stat. Acc. Parish of Penpont_, i. 209.
[110] William de Warren was the son of John, Earl of Warren and Surrey (according to Dugdale), by Alice, daughter of Hugh le Brun, Count of March, uterine sister of Henry the Third. In 5th Edward I., he was sent into Wales on the King’s business. In 22d Edward I., he was employed in pressing ships in the southern and western counties, and in cutting down timber for the use of the Royal Navy, which was to rendezvous at Portsmouth. In 25th Edward I., he was taken prisoner by the Scots, on which occasion the King committed the care of his lands to his own attorney, William de Berquey. According to Dugdale, he had a claim, through his wife Mary, to the Isle of Man; but Edward having reserved the Island for his own use, it is uncertain what compensation, or, if any, was made. He appears to have allowed her, by the name of _Regina Manniæ, quondam uxor Domini William filii_ Warren, for her support, the value of 2 hogsheads wine, 40 quarters wheat, and 40 of malt, amounting to 31_l._ 6s. 8d., but on what account is not stated. William died during his father’s lifetime, leaving his wife _enceinte_ of John, who succeeded his grandfather in his honours. See _Observations on the Wardrobe of Edward_ I., page lviii. lix.