Every sword was arrested, and the universal clangor of battle was
hushed in expecting silence.
**Ralph de Monthermer, a noble knight who married Jane of Acre, the
daughter of King Edward I. He was created Earl of Gloucester on his
marriage with that princess.-(1809.)
"Rise, brave earl," cried Wallace, to the governor; "I revere virtue
too sincerely to take an unworthy advantage of my fortune. The valor
of this garrison commands my respect; and, as a proof of my sincerity,
I grant to it what I have never yet done to any: that yourself and
these dauntless men march out with the honors of war, and without any
bonds on your future conduct toward us. We leave it to your own hearts
to decide whether you will ever be again made instruments to enchain a
free and brave people."
While he was speaking, De Monthermer leaned gloomily on the sword he
had returned to him, with his eyes fixed on his men. They answered his
glance with looks that said they understood him: and passing a few
words in whispers to each other, one at last spoke aloud: "Decide for
us, earl. We are as ready to die as to live; so that in neither we may
be divided from you.
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