"Though they have broken their oaths," cried he, "I have fulfilled
mine! They vowed to me all lawful obedience; I swore to free Scotland
or to die. Every castle in this realm is restored to its ancient lord;
every fortress is filled with a native garrison; the sea is covered
with our ships, and the kingdom, one in itself, sits secure behind her
well-defended bulwarks. Such have I, through the strength of the
Almighty arm, made Scotland! Beloved by a grateful people, I could
wield half her power to the destruction of the rest; but I would not
pluck one stone out of the building I have raised. To-day I deliver up
my commission, since its design is accomplished. I resign the regency."
As he spoke, he took off his helmet, and stood uncovered before the
people.
"No, no!" seemed the voice from every lip; "we will acknowledge no
other power, we will obey no other leader!"
Wallace expressed his sense of their attachment, but repeating to them
that he had fulfilled the end of his office, by setting them free, he
explained that his retaining it was no longer necessary. "Should I
remain your regent," continued he, "the country would be involved in
ruinous dissensions.
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