"This is my betrothed," continued Murray in a
blither tone; "I have sworn to take her for better for worse, and I
pledge you my truth nothing but death shall part us!"
Wallace grasped his hand. "And I pledge you mine, that the head whence
it drew shall be laid low before I suffer so generous a defender to be
separated, dead or alive, from this standard." His eyes glanced at the
empress; "Thou art right," continued he; "God doth goest with the
confidence of success, to embrace victory as a bride!"
"No, I am only the bridegroom's man!" replied Murray, gayly moving off;
"I shall be content with a kiss or two from the handmaids, and leave
the lady for my general."
"Happy, happy youth!" said Wallace to himself, as his eyes pursued the
agile footsteps of the young chieftain; "no conquering affection has
yet thrown open thy heart; no deadly injury hath lacerated it with
wounds incurable. Patriotism is a virgin passion in thy breast, and
innocence and joy wait upon her!"
"We just muster five hundred men!" observed Ker to Wallace; "but they
are all stout in heart as in condition, and ready, even to-night, if
you will it, to commence their march.
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