Let Edward yield to that, and though
he has pierced us with many wounds, we will yet forgive him."
De Warenne shook his head; "I know my king too well to expect pacific
measures. He may die with the sword in his hand; but he will never
grant an hour's repose to this country till it submits to his scepter."
"Then," replied Wallace, "the sword must be the portion of him and his!
Ruthless tyrant! If the blood of Abel called for vengeance on his
murderer, what must be the vials of wrath which are reserved for thee?"
A flush overspread the face of De Warenne at this apostrophe; and
forcing a smile, "The strict notion of right," said he, "is very well
in declamation, but how would it crop the wings of conquerors, and
shorten the warrior's arm, did they measure by this rule!"
"How would it, indeed!" replied Wallace; "and that they should is most
devoutly to be wished. All warfare that is not defensive is criminal;
and he who draws his sword to oppress, or merely to aggrandize, is a
murderer and a robber. This is the plain truth, Lord de Warenne."
"I have never considered it in that light," returned the earl, "nor
shall I turn philosopher now.
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