While his faithful followers retired each to the bosom
of his rejoicing family, the fugitive chief of Ellerslie remained alone
with the old man, and recounted to him the success of his enterprise,
and the double injuries he had avenged. "The assassin," continued he,
"has paid with his life for his inexpiable crime. He is slain, and
with him several of Edward's garrison. My vengeance may be appeased;
but what, O Halbert, can bring redress to my widowed heart? All is
lost to me; I have now nothing to do with this world, but as I may be
the instrument of good to others! The Scottish sword has now been
redrawn against our foes; and, with the blessing of Heaven, I swear it
shall not be sheathed till Scotland be rid of the tyranny which has
slain my happiness! This night my gallant Scots have sworn to
accomplish my vow, and death or liberty must be the future fate of
Wallace and his friends."
At these words, tears ran down the cheeks of the venerable harper.
"Alas! my too brave master," exclaimed he, "what is it you would do?
Why rush upon certain destruction? For the sake of her memory whom you
deplore; in pity to the worthy Earl of Mar, who will arraign himself as
the cause of all these calamities, and of your death, should you fall,
retract this desperate vow!"
"No, my good Halbert," returned Wallace.
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