But when she heard, from the
indignant Edwin, of the rebellious conduct of the young Lord Badenoch,
and that the regent had abdicated, her consternation superseded all
caution. "I will soon humble that proud boy," exclaimed she; "and let
him know, that in opposing the elevation of Sir William Wallace, he
treads down his own interest. You are beloved by the regent, Edwin!"
cried she, interrupting herself, and clasping his hand with
earnestness; "teach his enthusiastic heart the true interests of his
country! I am the first woman of the house of Cummin; and is not that
family the most powerful** in the kingdom? By the adherence of one
branch to Edward, the battle of Falkirk was lost; by the rebellion of
another, the regent of Scotland is obliged to relinquish that dignity?
It is in my power to move the whole race at my will; and if Wallace
would mingle his blood with theirs, would espouse me (an overture which
the love I bear my country impels me to make), every nerve would then
be strained to promote the elevation of their nearest kinswoman.
Wallace would reign in Scotland, and the whole land lie at peace."
**The family of Cummin was so powerful and numerous, that an incredible
number of chieftains of that name attended the first parliament which
Robert I.
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