"
"How inadequate to storm so formidable a place as Stirling Castle!"
returned Murray. "Having, indeed, passed the Rubicon, we must go
forward, but resolution, not rashness, should be the principle of our
actions. And my opinion is, that a few minor advantages obtained, our
countrymen would flock to our standard, the enemy would be intimidated,
and we should carry thousands, instead of hundreds, before the walls of
Stirling. To attempt it now would invite defeat, and bring upon us the
ruin of our entire project."
"You are right, young man," cried Kirkpatrick; "my gray head, rendered
impetuous by insult, did not pause on the blind temerity of my scheme.
I would rather for years watch the opportunity of taking a signal
revenge than not accomplish it at last. Oh! I would rather waste all
my life in these solitary wilds and know that at the close of it I
should see the blood of Cressingham on these hands than live a prince
and die unrevenged!"
Stephen and Ker now entered; the latter paid his respects to Sir Roger,
and the former informed Murray that having disposed his present
followers with those who had arrived before, he was come to lead their
lord to some refreshment in the banqueting room of the tower.
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