At the end of a week, the embassador returned with a conciliatory
letter to Philip; but, affirming Edward's right to Scotland, declared
his determination never to lay down his arms till he had again brought
the whole realm under his scepter.
Wallace and his royal friend now saw no reason for lingering in France;
and having visited the young De Longueville at Chartres, they apprised
him of their intention to still further borrow his name. "We will not
disgrace it," cried Bruce; "I promised to return it to you, a theme for
your country's minstrels." When the friends rose to depart, the brave
and youthful penitent grasped their hands: "You go, valiant Scots, to
cover with a double glory, in the field of honor, a name which my
unhappy brother Guy dyed deep in his own country's blood! The tears I
weep before this cross for his and my transgressions have obtained me
mercy; and your design is an earnest to me from Him who hung on this
sacred tree, that my brother also is forgiven."
At an early hour next day, Wallace and Bruce took leave of the French
king. The queen kissed Helen affectionately, and whispered, while she
tied a jeweled collar round her neck, that when she returned, she hoped
to add to it the coronet of Gascony.
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