"
The marshals retreated, for they had been accustomed to regard with
implicit deference the opinion of Sir William Wallace on the laws; and
though he now stood in the light of their violator, yet memory bore
testimony that he had always read them aright, and, to this hour, had
ever appeared to make them the guide of his actions.
Athol saw that none in the assembly had courage to enforce this act of
violence, and blazing with fury, he poured his whole wrath upon
Wallace. "Imperious, arrogant traitor!" cried he; "this presumption
only deepens our impression of your guilt! Demean yourself with more
reverence to this august court, or expect to be sentenced on the proof
which such insolence amply gives; we require no other to proclaim your
domineering spirit, and at once to condemn you as the premeditated
tyrant of land."
"Lord Athol," replied Wallace, "what is just I would say in the face of
all the courts in Christendom. It is not in the power of man to make
me silent when I see the laws of country outraged and my countrymen
oppressed. Though I may submit my own cheek to the blow, I will not
permit theirs to share the stroke. I have answered you, earl, to this
point and am ready to hear you to the end.
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