"I have done enough with Robert
Bruce," said he. "He is condemned a prisoner for life, and a mere
suspicion shall never provoke me to give sentence for his death."
Irritated by this reply, and the contemptuous glance with which it was
accompanied, the vindictive triumvirate turned from the king to the
court; and having failed in accomplishing the destruction of Bruce and
his more renowned friend, they determined at least to make a wreck of
their moral fame. The guilt of Wallace and the queen, and the
participation of Bruce, was now whispered through every circle, and
credited in proportion to the evil disposition of the hearers.
Once of his pages at last brought to the ears of the kings the stories
which these lords so basely circulated; and sending for them, he gave
them so severe a reprimand, that, retiring from his presence with
stifled wrath, they agreed to accept the invitation of young Lord
Badenoch, return to their country, and support him in the regency.
Next morning Edward was informed they had secretly left Durham; and
fearing that Bruce might also make his escape, a consultation was held
between the king and Beck of so threatening a complexion, that
Gloucester no longer hesitated to run all risks, but immediately to
give the Scottish prince his liberty.
Pages:
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911