So large a reinforcement was gratefully received by Wallace; and he
welcomed Maxwell with a cordiality which inspired that young knight
with an affection equal to his zeal.
A council being held respecting the disposal of the new troops, it was
decided that the Lennox men must remain with their earl in garrison;
while those brought by Maxwell, and under his command, should follow
Wallace in the prosecution of his conquests along with his own especial
people.
These preliminaries being arranged, the remainder of the day was
dedicated to more mature deliberations-to the unfolding of the plan of
warfare which Wallace had conceived. As he first sketched the general
outline of his design, and then proceeded to the particulars of each
military movement, he displayed such comprehensiveness of mind; such
depths of penetration; clearness of apprehension; facility in
expedients; promptitude in perceiving, and fixing on the most favorable
points of attack; explaining their bearings upon the power of the
enemy; and where the possession of such a castle would compel the
neighboring ones to surrender; and where occupying the hills with bands
of resolute Scots, would be a more efficient bulwark than a thousand
towers-that Maxwell gazed on him with admiration, and Lennox with
wonder.
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