**To throw a spear was an ancient mode of denouncing war.
Beck had turned away in wrath from the table, and advancing with a
magisterial step to the door, he threw it open; as if he thought, that
longer to breathe the same air with the person he had excommunicated,
would infect him with his own curses. On opening the door, a group of
Scots, who waited in the antechamber, hastened forward. At the sight
of the prelate they raised their bonnets, and hesitated to pass. He
stood on the threshold, proudly neglectful of their respect. In the
next minute, Wallace appeared with Lord Arundel.
"Brave knight," said the earl, "the adieus of a man, as sensible of
your private worth as he regrets the errors of your public opinion,
abide with you."
"Were Edward sensible to virtue, like his brave subjects," replied the
chief, "I should not fear that another drop of blood need be shed in
Scotland to convince him of his present injustice. Farewell, noble
earl; the generous candor of yourself and of your brother-in-law will
ever live in the remembrance of William Wallace."
While he yet spoke, a youth broke from the group before them, and
rushing toward the regent, threw himself with a cry of joy at his feet.
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