"Vengeance is satisfied," cried
he; "thus, O God! do I henceforth divide self from my heart!" As he
spoke he snapped the sword in twain, and throwing away the pieces, put
back with his hand the impending weapons of his brave companions, who
having cleared the passage of their assailants, had hurried forward to
assist in ridding their country of so detestable a tyrant.
"Tis done," cried he. As he spoke he drew down the coverlid and
discovered the body of the governor weltering in blood. The ghastly
countenance, on which the agonies of hell seemed imprinted, glared
horrible even in death.
Wallace turned away; but the men exulting in the sight, with a shout of
triumph exclaimed, "So fall the enemies of Sir William Wallace!"
"Rather to fall the enemies of Scotland!" cried he; "from this hour
Wallace has neither love nor resentment but for her. Heaven has heard
me devote myself to work our country's freedom or to die. Who will
follow me in so just a cause?"
"All!-with Wallace forever!"
The new clamor which this resolution excited, intimidated a fresh band
of soldiers, who were hastening across the courtyard to seek the enemy
in the governor's apartments.
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