But not another chief spoke for Wallace. Even Sinclair was
intimidated, and like others who wished him well, he feared to utter
his sentiments. But most, oh! shame to Scotland and to man, cast up
their bonnets and cried aloud, "Long live Kind Edward, the only
legitimate Lord of Scotland!" At this outcry, which was echoed even by
some in whom he had confided, while it pealed around him like a burst
of thunder, Wallace threw out his arms, as if he would yet protect
Scotland from herself. "Oh! desolate people," exclaimed he, in a voice
of piercing woe, "too credulous of fair speeches, and not aware of the
calamities which are coming upon you! Call to remembrance the miseries
you have suffered, and start, before it be too late, from this last
snare of your oppressor! Have I yet to tell ye that his embrace is
death? Oh! look yet to Heaven and ye shall find a rescue!" Bruce
seemed to rise at that moment in pale but gallant apparition before his
soul.**
**This speech is almost verbatim from one of our old historians.
"Seize that rebellious man," cried Soulis to his marshals. "In the
name of the King of England I command you."
"And in the name of the King of kings I denounce death on him who
attempts it!" exclaimed Bothwell, throwing himself between Wallace and
the men; "put forth a hostile hand toward him, and this bugle shall
call a thousand resolute swords to lay this platform in blood!"
Soulis, followed by his knights, pressed forward to execute his treason
himself.
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