"
The town was now in possession of the Scots; and Wallace, having sent
off the rest of his prisoners to safe quarters, reiterated his
persuasions to Edwin, to have the ground, and submit his wounds to the
surgeon. "No, no" replied he; "the same hand that gave me this,
inflicted a worse on my general at Dumbarton: he kept the field then;
and shall I retire now, and disgrace my example? No, my brother; you
would not have me so disprove my kindred!"
"Do as you will," answered Wallace, with a grateful smile; "so that you
preserve a life that must never again be risked to save mine. While it
is necessary for me to live, my Almighty Captain will shield me; but
when his word goes forth, that I shall be recalled, it will not be in
the power of friendship, nor of hosts, to turn the steel from my
breast. Therefore, dearest Edwin, thrown not yourself away, in
defending what is in the hands of Heaven-to be lent, or to be withdrawn
at will."
Edwin bowed his modest head; and having suffered a balsam to be poured
into his wound, braced his brigandine over his breast; and was again at
the side of his friend, just as he had joined Kirkpatrick before the
citadel.
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