When absent from you in person, I left my
spirit with you in the brave Knights of Carlaveroch and Torthorald, and
yet you fled. Had I been here, and you done the same, the like must
have been the consequence. What think you is in my arm, that I should
alone stem your enemies? The expectation is extravagant and false. I
am but the head of the battle, you are the aims; if you shrink, I fall,
and the cause is ruined. You follow my call to the field, you fight
valiantly, and I win the day! Respect then yourselves; and believe
that you are the sinews, the nerves, the strength of Sir William
Wallace!"
Some looked manfully up at this exhortation; but most hung their heads
in remembered shame, while he continued: "Dishonor not your fathers and
your trust in God by relying on any one human arm, or doubting that
from heaven. Be confident that while the standard of true liberty is
before you, you fight under God's banner. See how I in that faith
drove these conquering Northumbrians before me like frighted roes. You
might, and must do the same, or the sword of Wallace is drawn in vain.
Partake my spirit, brethren of Annandale; fight as stoutly over my
grave as by my side, or before the year expires you will again be the
slaves of Edward.
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