Unfurling the banner of
Scotland, he marched with a steady step to the tent of Bothwell,
whither he did not doubt that Wallace had retired. He found him
assuaging the impassioned grief of Edwin, and striving to moderate the
vehement wrath of the faithful Murray, "Pour not out the energy of your
soul upon these worthless men!" said he; "leave them to the fates they
seek--the fates they have incurred by the innocent blood shed this day!
The few brave hearts who yet remain loyal to this country, are
insufficient to stem at this spot the torrent of corruption. Retire
beyond the Forth, my friend. Rally all true Scots around Huntingtower.
Let the royal inmate proclaim himself, and, at the foot of the
Grampians, lock the gates of the Highlands upon our enemies. From
those bulwarks he will issue in strength, and Scotland may again be
free!"
"Free, but never more honored!" cried Edwin; "never more beloved by me!
Ungrateful, treacherous, base land," added he, starting on his feet,
and raising his clasped hands with the vehement abjuration of an
indignant spirit; "oh, that the salt sea would ingulf thee at
once--that thy name and thy ingratitude could be no more remembered! I
will never wear a sword for her again.
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