But who could be more to Scotland than Wallace had
been? All that was in the power of patriot or of king to do for his
country, he had done; and what then was Bruce in her estimation? One
who, basking in pleasures while his country suffered, allowed a brave
subject to breast, to overthrow every danger, before he put himself
forward? and now he appeared to assume a throne, which, though his
right by birth, he had most justly forfeited, by neglecting the duties
indispensable in the heir of so great and oppressed a kingdom! These
would have been her thoughts of him; but Wallace called this Bruce his
friend! and the few words she had heard him speak, being full of
gratitude to her deliverer, that engaged her esteem.
The answer, however, which she made to the reply of Wallace was
spontaneous, and it struck upon the heart of Bruce. "How long," said
she, "have you promised Scotland that it should see that day!"
"Long, to my grief, Lady Helen," rejoined Bruce; "I would say to my
shame--had I ever intentionally erred toward my country; but ignorance
of her state, and of the depth of Edward's treachery, was my crime. I
only required to be shown the right path to pursue it, and Sir William
Wallace came to point the way.
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