Were you not a patriot, grief would prey upon your life."
"You have read me, Edwin," replied Wallace; "and that you may never
love to idolatry, learn this also. Though Scotland lay in ruins, I was
happy; I felt no captivity while in Marion's arms; even oppression was
forgotten when she made the sufferer's tears cease to flow. She
absorbed my thoughts, my wishes, my life!-and she was wrested from me,
that I might feel myself a slave, that the iron might enter into my
soul, with which I was to pull down tyranny, and free my country. Mark
the sacrifice, young man," cried Wallace, starting on his feet; "it now
even smokes, and the flames are here inextinguishable." He struck his
hand upon his breast. "Never love as I have loved, and you will be a
patriot, without needing to taste my bitter cup!"
Edwin trembled; his tears were checked. "I can love no one better than
I do you, my general! and is there any crime in that?"
Wallace in a moment recovered from the transient wildness which had
possessed him. "None, my Edwin," replied he; "the affections are never
criminal but when by their excess they blind us to other duties. The
offense of mine is judged, and I bow to the penalty.
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