Bruce, whose real name had not been revealed to the other ladies of
Ruthven's family, in a lowered tone, asked Edwin some questions
relative to the spirits in which Helen had parted with him. "In losing
her," added he, "my friend and I feel but as part of what we were. Her
presence seemed to ameliorate the fierceness of our war-councils, and
ever reminded me of the angelic guard by whom Heaven points our way."
"I left her with looks like the angel you speak of," answered Edwin;
"but she bade me farewell upon the platform of the eastern tower of the
castle. When I gave her the parting embrace, she raised herself from
my breast, and stretching her arms to heave, with her pure soul in her
eyes, she exclaimed, 'Bless him, gracious God; bless him, and his noble
commander! may they ever, with the prince they love, be thine especial
care!' I knelt by her as she uttered this; and touching the hem of her
garments as some holy thing, hurried from the spot."
"Her prayers," cried Bruce, "will fight for us. They are arms well
befitting the virgins of Scotland to use against its foes."
"And without such unction," rejoined Wallace, looking to that Heaven
she had invoked, "the warrior may draw his steel in vain.
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