The assiduities of the sage
of Ercildown restored him to life, but not to recollection. "The fever
returned on him, with a delirium, so hopeless of recovery," continued
Grimsby, "that the Lady Helen, who again seems like an inspired angel
amongst us, has sent me with this youth to implore you to come to
Huntingtower, and there embattle yourself against your own and your
prince's enemies."
"Send me," cried Walter Hay, grasping Wallace's hand, "send me back to
Lady Helen, and let me tell her that our benefactor, the best guardian
of our country, will not abandon us! Should you depart, Scotland's
genius will go with you! again she must sink, again she will be in
ruins. De Valence will regain possession of my dear lady, and you will
not be near to save her."
"Grimsby, Walter, my friends!" cried Wallace, in an agitated voice, "I
do not abandon Scotland; she drives me from her. Would she have
allowed me, I would have borne her in my arms until my latest gasp; but
it must not be so. I resign her into the Almighty hands, to which I
commit myself; they will also preserve the Lady Helen from violence. I
cannot forego my trust, for the Bruce also! If he live, he will
protect her for my sake; and should he died, Bothwell and Ruthven will
cherish her for their own.
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