"
"They who follow you," said Graham, "have too much confidence in their
leader, to require any reasons for his movements."
"It is to place that confidence on a sure foundation, my brave
friends," returned Wallace, "that I explain what there is no just
reason to conceal. Should policy ever compel me to strike a blow
without previously telling my agents wherefore, I should then draw upon
their faith, and expect that confidence in my honor and arms which I
now place on their discretion and fidelity."
Exordiums were not requisite to nerve every limb, and to strengthen
every heart in the toilsome journey. Mountains were climbed, vast
plains traversed, rivers forded, and precipices crossed, without one
man in the ranks lingering on its steps, or dropping his head upon his
pike, to catch a moment's slumber. Those who had fought with Wallace,
longed to redouble their fame under his command; and they who had
recently embraced his standard, panted with a virtuous ambition to
rival those first-born in arms.
Sir Roger Kirkpatrick had been the first to fly to arms, on the march
to Stirling being mentioned; and when Wallace stood forward to declare
that rest should be dispensed with till Stirling fell, full of a fierce
joy, the ardent knight darted over every obstacle to reach his aim.
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