But in consideration of your youth, and
probable ignorance of what becomes the character of an embassador, I
grant you the protection your behavior has forfeited. Sir Alexander
Scrymgeour," said he, turning to him, "you will guard Sir Hugh le de
Spencer to the Earl de Warenne, and tell that nobleman I am ready to
answer any proper messenger."
The young Southron, frowning, followed Scrymgeour from the hall, and
Wallace, turning to Murray, "My friend," said he, "it is not well to
stimulate insolence by repartee. This young man's speech, though an
insult to the nation, was directed to me, and by me only it ought to
have been answered, and that seriously. The haughty spirit of this man
should have been quelled, not incensed; and, had you proceeded one word
further, you would have given him an apparently just cause of complaint
against you, and of that, my friend, I am most sensibly jealous. It is
not policy nor virtue to be rigorous to the extent of justice."
"I know," returned Murray, blushing, "that my wits are too many for me;
ever throwing me, like Phaeton's horses, into the midst of some fiery
mischief. But pardon me now, and I promise to rein them close, when
next I see this prancing knight.
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