You are my
prisoner, and I pardon what I could so easily avenge. I will even
answer you, and say that I do not know of any exclusive affection
subsisting between my daughter and Sir William Wallace; but this I am
assured of, that were it the case, she would be more ennobled in being
the wife of so true a patriot and so virtuous a man, than were she
advanced to the bosom of an emperor. And for myself, were he to-morrow
hurled by a mysterious Providence from his present nobly-won elevation,
I should glory in my son were he such, and would think him as great on
a scaffold as on a throne."
"It is well that is your opinion," replied De Valence, stopping in his
wrathful strides, and turning on Mar with vengeful irony; "cherish
these heroics, for you will assuredly see him so exalted. Then where
will be his triumphs over Edward's arms and Pembroke's heart? Where
your daughter's patriot husband; you glorious son? Start not, old man,
for by all the powers of hell I swear that some eyes which now look
proudly on the Southron host, shall close in blood! I announce a fact!"
"If you do," replied Mar, shuddering at the demoniac fire that
lightened from the countenance of De Valence, "it must be by the agency
of devils; and their minister, vindictive earl, will meet the vengeance
of the Eternal arm.
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