"
Wallace smiled as the terrific words fell from the lips of this demon
in sacred guise. Lord Arundel observed him. "You despise this
malediction, Sir William Wallace! I thought more piety had dwelt with
so much military nobleness!"
"I should not regard the curses of a congregated world," replied
Wallace, "when my conscience as loudly proclaims that God is on my
side. And is he not omniscient, that he should be swayed by the
prejudices of men? Does he not read the heart? Is he not master of
all causes? And shall I shrink when I know that I hold his commission?
Shall I not regard those anathemas even as the artillery with which
the adversary would drive me from my post? But did the clouds rain
fire, and the earth open beneath me, I would not stir; for I know who
planted me here; and as long as he wills me to stand, neither men nor
devils can move me hence."
"Thou art incorrigible!" cried Beck.
"I would say, firm," rejoined Arundel, overawed by the majesty of
virtue, "could I regard, as he does, the cause he has espoused. But,
as it is, noble Wallace," continued he, "I must regret your
infatuation; and instead of the peace I thought to leave with you, hurl
war, never-ending, extirpating war, upon the head of this devoted
nation!" As he spoke, he threw his lance** against the opposite wall,
in which it stuck and stood shivering; then taking up the casket, with
its splendid contents, he replaced it in his bosom.
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