That hope to see our country freed from a yoke unjustly laid upon
her-that hope which you, not considering our rights, or weighing the
power that lies in a just cause, denominate an ignis fatuus, is the
only passion I believe that lives in the gentle bosom of my Helen; and
therefore, noble earl, not even your offers can equal the measure of
her wishes."
At this speech De Valence bit his lip with real disappointment; and
starting from his chair now in unaffected disorder, "I am not to be
deceived, Lord Mar," cried he; "I am not to be cajoled by the pretended
patriotism of your daughter; I know the sex too well to be cheated with
these excuses. The ignis fatuus that leads your daughter from my arms,
is not the freedom of Scotland, but the handsome rebel who conquers in
its name! He is now fortune's minion, but he will fall, Lord Mar, and
then what will be the fate of his mad adherents?"
"Earl de Valence," replied the veteran, "sixty winters have checked the
tides of passion in my veins; but the indignation of my soul against
any insult offered to my daughter's delicacy, or to the name of the
lord regent of Scotland is not less powerful in my breast.
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