To this end, he traversed the adjoining country, striving to enlighten
the understandings of the stupidly satisfied and to excite the
discontented, to revolt. With most he failed. Some took upon them to
lecture him on "fishing in troubled waters;" and warned him, if he
would keep his head on his shoulders, to wear his yoke in peace.
Others thought the project too arduous for men of small means; they
wished well to the arms of Sir William Wallace; and, should he continue
successful, would watch the moment to aid him with all their little
power. Those who had much property, feared to risk its loss by
embracing a doubtful struggle. Some were too great cowards to fight
for the rights they would gladly regain by the exertions of others.
And others, again, who had families, shrunk from taking part in a cause
which, should it fail, would not only put their lives in danger, but
expose their offspring to the revenge of a resentful enemy. This was
the best apology of any that had been offered; natural affection was
the pleader; and though blinded to its true interest, such weakness had
an amiable source, and so was pardoned. But the other pleas were so
basely selfish, so undeserving of anything but scorn, that Sir Eustace
Maxwell could not forbear expressing it.
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