Edward must deem it a
breach of their amity did his brother-in-law permit a French prince to
appear in arms against him in Scotland; but the Reaver being considered
in England as outlawed by France, no surprise can be excited that he
and his brother should fight against Philip's ally. We will, then,
assume their characters; and I shall have the satisfaction of serving
for Scotland before I claim her as my own. When we again drive Edward
over the boarders, on that day we will throw off our visors, and Sir
William Wallace shall place the crown on my head."
Wallace could not but approve the dignity of mind which these
sentiments displayed. In the same situation they would have been his
own; and he sought not, from any motive of policy, to dissuade Bruce
from a delicacy of conduct which drew him closer to his heart.
Sympathy of tastes is a pleasant attraction; but congeniality of
principles is the cement of souls. This Wallace felt in his new-born
friendship with Bruce; and though his regard for him had none of that
fostering tenderness with which he loved to contemplate the blooming
virtues of the youthful Edwin, yet it breathed every endearment arising
from a perfect equality in heart and mind.
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