"His eldest son may be now about the age of the young knight who has
just left us; and when I look on his royal port, and listen to the
patriotic fervors of his royal soul, I cannot but think that the spirit
of his noble grandsire has revived in his breast, and that, leaving his
indolent father to the vassal luxuries of Edward's palace, he is come
hither in secret, to arouse Scotland, and to assert his claim."
"It is very likely," rejoined Helen, deeply sighing; "and may Heaven
reward his virtue with the crown of his ancestors."
"To that end," replied the Hermit, "shall my hands be lifted up in
prayer day and night. May I, O gracious Power!" cried he, looking
upward, and pressing the cross to his breast, "live but to see that
hero victorious, and Scotland free, and then 'let thy servant depart in
peace, since mine eyes will have seen her salvation!'"
"Her salvation, father?" said Helen, timidly. "Is not that too sacred
a word to apply to anything, however dear, that relates to earth?"
She blushed as she spoke; and fearful of having too daringly objected,
looked down as she awaited his answer. The hermit observed her
attentively; and, with a benign smile, replied, "Earth and heaven are
the work of the Creator.
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