We have cast our lives on the die;
and Wallace's camp or the narrow house must be our prize!"
**A bull's head, presented at a feast, was a sign that some one of the
company was immediately to be put to death.-(1809.)
"Noble youth!" exclaimed the prior, "may the innocence which gives
animation to your courage, continue its moving soul! They only are
invincible who are as ready to die as to live; and no one can be firm
in that principle, whose exemplary life is not a happy preparation for
the awful change."
Murray bowed modestly to this pious encomium, and turning to Ker,
informed him, that since he must abandon all hope of hearing any more
of the fifty brave men his cousin Helen had sent to the craigs, he
bethought him of applying to his uncle, Sir John Murray, who dwelt hard
by, on his estate at Drumshargard. "It is small," said he, "and cannot
afford many men; but still he may spare sufficient to effect the escape
of our commander; and that for the present will be a host!"
To accomplish his design without delay-for promptitude is the earnest
of success-and to avoid a surprise from the English lieutenant at
Bothwell (who, hearing of the reencounter before the castle, might
choose to demand his men's prisoner).
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