BRUCE, ROBERT, son of the Earl of Carrick, and competitor with Baliol for the crown of Scotland, which he lost by the arbitration of Edward I. of England, for generously refusing to hold of him the crown of Scotland, which his ancestors had left him independent. But Baliol having afterwards broken his agreement with Edward, Bruce was
easily persuaded by that king to unite with him against Baliol, upon a promise that he would settle him on the throne. Having contributed much to the breaking up of Baliol's party, he demanded the accomplishment of King Edward's promise; but the latter is said to have given him this answer: "What! have I nothing else to do but to conquer kingdoms for you?" However, he recovered his crown, defeated the English in several battles, raised the glory of the Scots to an unexampled height of splendour, and extended their dominions. See SCOTLAND.