Ruthven joined in determined opinion with Bothwell, that if ever a
civil war could be sanctified, this was the time; and in spite of all
that Wallace could urge against the madness of contending for his
supremacy over a nation which would not yield him obedience, still they
remained firm in their resolution. Bruce they hardly dared hope could
recover; and to relinquish the guiding hand of their best approved
leader at this crisis, was a sacrifice, they said, no earthly power
should compel them to make.
"So far from it," cried Lord Bothwell, dropping on his knees, and
grasping the cross hilt of his sword in both hands, "I swear by the
blood of the crucified Lord of this ungrateful world, that should Bruce
die, I will obey no other king of Scotland than William Wallace!"
Wallace turned ashy pale as he listened to this vow. At that moment
Scrymgeour entered, followed by the Lanark veterans, and all kneeling
down, repeated the oath of Bothwell; then starting up, called on the
outraged chief, by the unburied corpse of his murdered Ker, to lead
them forth and avenge them of his enemies.
When the agitation of his soul would allow him to speak to this
faithful group, Wallace stretched his hands over them, and with such
tears as a father would shed who looks on the children he is to behold
no more, he said, in a subdued and faltering voice, "God will avenge
our murdered friend; my sword is sheathed forever.
Pages:
1105
1106
1107
1108
1109
1110
1111
1112
1113
1114
1115
1116
1117
1118
1119
1120
1121
1122
1123
1124
1125
1126
1127
1128
1129