Stirling now exhibited a constant carnival; peace was in every heart,
and joy its companion. As Wallace had commanded in the field, he
decided in the judgment-hall; and while all his behests were obeyed
with a promptitude which kept the machine of state constantly moving in
the most beautiful order, his bitterest enemies could not but secretly
acknowledge the perfection they were determined to destroy.
His munificent hand stretched itself far and near, that all who had
shared the sufferings of Scotland might drink largely of her
prosperity. The good Abbot of Scone was invited from his hermitage;
and when he heard from the embassadors sent to him, that the brave
young warrior whom he had entertained was the resistless Wallace, he no
longer thought of the distant and supine Bruce, but centered every wish
for his country in the authority of her deliverer. A few days brought
him to Stirling; and wishing to remain near the most constant residence
of his noble friend, he requested that, instead of being restored to
Scone, he might be installed in the vacant monastery of Cambus-Kenneth.
Wallace gladly acquiesced; and the venerable abbot being told that his
late charge, the Lady Helen, was in the palace, went to visit her; and
as he communicated his exultation and happiness, she rejoiced in the
benedictions which his grateful spirit invoked on the head of her
almost worshiped sovereign.
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