Lord Buchan laughed, and continued, "When we
last met at table, was it not in his majesty's tent after the victory
at Falkirk? You were then red from the slaughter of those bastardized
people to whom I understand you now give the fond appellation of sons.
Having recognized the relationship, it was not probable we should again
see your hands in their former brave livery; and their present pallid
hue convinces more than myself, of the truth of our information."
"And me," cried Edward, rising on the couch to which his wounds
confined him, "that I have discovered a traitor! You fled, Lord
Carrick, at the first attack which the Scots made on my camp, and you
drew thousands after you. I know you too well to believe that
cowardice impelled the motion. It was treachery, accursed treachery to
your friend and king; and you shall feel the weight of his resentment!"
"to this hour, Kind Edward," replied the earl, starting from his chair,
"I have been more faithful to you than to my country or my God! I
heard, saw, and believed, only what you determined; and I became your
slave, your vile, oppressed slave! the victim of your artifice! How
often have you pledged yourself that you fought in Scotland only for my
advantage! I gave my faith and my power to you; and how often have you
promised, after the next successful battle, to restore me to the crown
of my ancestors! I still believed you, and I still engaged all who yet
acknowledged the influence of Bruce, to support your name in Scotland.
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