He did not hesitate to decide against this counsel, for, in following
it, it could not be one adversary he must strike, but thousands. "I am
only a brother to my countrymen," said he to himself, "and have no
right to force them to their duty. When their king appears, then these
rebellious heads may be made to bow." While he mused upon the letter
of Lennox, Ruthven entered the recess of the tent, whither he had
retired to read it.
"I bring you better news of our friends at Huntingtower," cried the
good lord. "Here is a packet from Douglas, and another from my wife."
Wallace gladly read them, and found that Bruce was relieved from his
delirium; but so weak, that his friends dared not hazard a relapse by
imparting to him any idea of the proceedings at Stirling. All he knew
was, that Wallace was victorious in arms, and panting for his recovery
to render such success really beneficial to his country! Helen and
Isabella, with the sage of Ercildown, were the prince's unwearied
attendants; and though his life was yet in extreme peril, it was to be
hoped that their attentions, and his own constitution, would finally
cure the wound, and conquer its attendant fever.
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