The
eyes of Lady Mar at once told the impassioned De Valence, too well read
in the like expressions, what were her sentiments toward the young
regent; and the blushes and eager civilities of the ladies around
displayed how much they were struck with the now fully discerned and
unequaled graces of his person. Lady mar forgot all in him. And,
indeed, so much did he seem the idol of every heart, that, from the two
venerable lords of Loch-awe and Bothwell to the youngest man in
company, all ears hung on his words, all eyes upon his countenance.
The entertainment was conducted with every regard to that chivalric
courtesy which a noble conqueror always pays to the vanquished.
Indeed, from the wit and pleasantry which passed from the opposite
sides of the tables, and in which the ever-gay Murray was the leader,
it rather appeared a convivial meeting of friends than an assemblage of
mortal foes. During the banquet the bards sung legends of the Scottish
worthies who had brought honor to their nation in days of old; and as
the board was cleared, they struck at once into a full chorus. Wallace
caught the sound of his own name, accompanied with epithets of
extravagant praise; he rose hastily from his chair, and with his hand
motioned them to cease.
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