"
There was an expansive providence in all this, a concentrating plan of
public weal, which few of the nobles had ever even glanced at, as a
design conceivable for Scotland. There were many of these warrior
chiefs who could not even understand it.
"Ah! my lords," replied he to their warlike objections, "deceive not
yourselves with the belief that by the mere force of arms, a nation can
render itself great and secure. Industry, temperance, and discipline
amongst the people; with moderation and justice in the higher orders,
are the only aliments of independence. They bring you riches and
power, which make it the interest of those who might have been your
enemies to court your friendship."
The graver council at Stirling had received his plan with enthusiasm.
And when, on the day of his parting with the released chiefs on the
banks of the Esk, with all the generous modesty of his nature, he
submitted his design to them, rather to obtain their approbation as
friends, than to enforce it with the authority of a regent; when they
saw him, thus coming down from the dictatorship to which his unrivaled
talents had raised him, to equal himself still with them, all were
struck with admiration, and Lord Badenoch could not but mentally
exclaim, "The royal qualities of this man can well afford this expense
of humility.
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