Have not most of our barons sworn fealty to
him? and are not the potent families of the Cummin, the Soulis, and the
March, all in his interest? You may perhaps say, that most of these
are my relations, and that I may turn them which way I will; but if I
have no influence with a husband, it would be madness to expect it over
more distant kindred. How, then, with such a host against him, can
your infatuated father venture, without despair, to support the man who
breaks the peace with England?"
"Who can despair, honored lady," returned Helen, "in so just a cause?
Let us rather believe with our good King David, that 'Honor must hope
always; for no real evil can befall the virtuous, either in this world
or in the next!' Were I a man, the justice that leads on the brave
Wallace would nerve my arm with the strength of a host. Besides, look
at our country; God's gift of freedom is stamped upon it. Our
mountains are his seal. Plains are the proper territories of tyranny;
there the armies of a usurper may extend themselves with ease; leaving
no corner unoccupied in which patriotism might shelter or treason hide.
But mountains, glens, morasses, lakes, set bounds to conquest; and
amidst these stands the impregnable seat of liberty.
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