Wallace replied that he believed the attack to have been instigated by
a personal motive, and therefore, as he was the object, not the state
of Scotland, he should merely acquaint the earl that his villainy was
known, and let the shame of disgrace be his punishment.
"Ah," observed Lord Bothwell, "men who trample on conscience soon get
over shame."
"True," replied Wallace, "but I suit my actions to my mind, not to my
enemy's; and if he cannot feel dishonor, I will not so far disparage
myself as to think one so base worthy my resentment."
While he was quieting the reawakened indignation of his nobles, whose
blood began to boil afresh at sight of the assassin, the Southron
lords, conducted by Lord Mar, approached. When that nobleman drew
near, Wallace's first inquiry was for Lady Helen. The earl informed
him he had received intelligence of her having slept without fever, and
that she was not awake when the messenger came off with his good
tidings. That all was likely to be well with her was comfort to
Wallace; and, with an unruffled brow, riding up to the squadron of
Southrons which was headed by De Warenne and De Valence, he immediately
approached the latter, and drawing out the dagger, held it toward him:
"The next time, sir earl," said he, "that you draw this dagger, let it
be with a more knightly aim than assassination!"
De Valence, surprised, took it in confusion, and without answer; but
his countenance told the state of his mind.
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