BRUCE (Robert), son of the earl of Carrick, be-
ing competitor with Baliol for the crown of Scotland,
lost it by the arbitration of Edward I. of England,
for generously refusing to hold the crown of Scotland
as depending on him, which his ancestors had left him
independent. But Baliol having afterward broke his
agreement with Edward, Bruce was easily persuaded
by that king to side with him against Baliol, upon
promise that he would settle him on the throne. Ha-
ving contributed much to the breaking of Baliol's
party, he demanded the accomplishment of king Ed-
ward's promise, who is said to have given him this an-
swer: "What! have I nothing else to do but to con-
quer kingdoms for you?" However, he recovered his
crown, defeated the English in several battles, raised
the glory of the Scots, and extended their dominions. See
History of SCOTLAND.