"My lord," said he, "since
I took up arms for injured Scotland, I have been used to look into the
hearts of men; I therefore estimate with every due respect the
compliment which this message of your king pays to my virtues. Had he
thought that I deserved the confidence of Scotland, he would not have
insulted me with offering a price for my allegiance. To be even a
crowned vassal of King Edward is far beneath my ambition. Take back
the Saracen's diadem; it shall never dishonor the brows of him who has
sworn by the cross to maintain the independence of Scotland, or to lay
down his life in the struggle!"
"Weigh well, brave sir," resumed the earl, "the consequences of this
answer. Edward will soon be in England; he will march hither himself;
not at the head of such armies as you have discomfited, but with
countless legions; and when he falls upon any country in indignation,
the places of its cities are known no more."
"Better for a brave people so to perish," replied Wallace, "than to
exist in dishonor."
"What dishonor, noble Scot, can accrue from acknowledging the supremacy
of your liege lord; or to what can the proudest ambition in Scotland
extend beyond that of possessing its throne?"
"I am not such a slave," cried Wallace, "as to prefer what men might
call aggrandizement before the higher destiny of preserving to my
country its birthright, independence.
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