Wallace retained his position.
"I come," cried the Southron knight, "from the lord warden of Scotland,
who, like my prince, too greatly condescends to do otherwise than
command, where now he treats; I come to the leader of this rebellion,
William Wallace, to receive an answer to the terms granted by the
clemency of my master, the son of his liege lord, to this misled
kingdom."
"Sir Knight," replied Sir William Wallace, "when the Southron lords
delegate a messenger to me, who knows how to respect the representative
of the nation to which he is sent, and the agents of his own country, I
shall give them my reply. You may withdraw."
The Southron stood, resolute to remain where he was; "Do you know,
proud Scot," cried he, "to whom you dare address this imperious
language? I am the nephew of the lord high constable of England."
"It is a pity," cried Murray, looking coolly up from the table, "that
he is not here to take his kinsman into custody."
Le de Spencer fiercely half drew his sword; "Sir, this insult-"
"Must be put up with," cried Wallace, interrupting him, and motioning
Edwin to lay his hand on the sword; "you have insulted the nation to
which you were sent on a peaceful errand; and having thus invited the
resentment of every chief here present, you cannot justly complain
against their indignation.
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