When he pointed it out to De Valence, that nobleman (who, in
proportion as he wished to check the arms of Wallace, had flattered
himself that it might happen), against the evidence of his eyesight,
contradicted the observation of the veteran earl.
"Your sight deceives you," said he, "it is only the sunbeams playing on
the cliffs."
"Then those cliffs are moving ones," cried De Warenne, "which, I fear,
have ground our countrymen on the coast to powder! We shall find
Wallace here by sunset, to show us how he has resented the affront our
ill-advised prince cast on his jealous honor."
"His honor," returned De Valence, "is like that of his countrymen's-an
enemy alike to his own interest and to that of others. Had it allowed
him to accept the crown of Scotland, and so have fought Edward with the
concentrating arm of a king; or would he even now offer peace to our
sovereign, granting his prerogative as liege lord of the country, all
might go well; but as the honor you speak of prevents his using these
means of ending the contest, destruction must close his career."
"And what quarrel," demanded De Warenne, "can you, my Lord de Valence,
have against this nice honor of Sir William Wallace, since you allow it
secures the final success of our cause?"
"His honor and himself are hateful to me!" impatiently answered De
Valence; "he crosses me in my wishes, public and private; and for the
sake of my king and myself, I might almost be tempted-" He turned pale
as he spoke, and met the penetrating glance of De Warenne.
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