A very few, and those of the least turbulent
spirits went forth. They began to fear having embarked in a desperate
cause; and, by their present acquiescence, were willing to deprecate
the wrath of Wallace, while thus assured of not exciting the resentment
of Badenoch.
When Wallace looked around him and saw the space before the keep filled
with armed men and citizens, he ascended an elevated piece of ground,
which rose a little to the left, and waving his hand in token that he
intended to speak, a profound silence took place of the buzz of
admiration, gratitude, and discontent. He then addressed the people:
"Brother soldiers! friends! And-am I so to distinguish Scots?-enemies!"
At this word, a loud cry of "Perish all who are the enemies of our
glorious regent!" penetrated to the inmost chambers of the citadel.
Believing that the few of his partisans who had ventured out, were
falling under the vengeance of Wallace, Badenoch, with a brandished
weapon, and followed by the rest, sallied toward the door, but there he
stopped, for he saw his friends standing unmolested.
Wallace proceeded; and, with calm dignity, announced the hatred that
was now poured upon him by a large part of that nobility who had been
so eager to invest him with the high office he then held.
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