The country needs me not, and I have need of Heaven. I
go into its outcourts at Chartres. Follow me there, dear boy, when
thou hast accomplished thy noble career on earth, and then our gray
hairs shall mingle together over the altar of the God of Peace; but now
receive the farewell of thy friend. Return to Bruce, and be to him the
dearest representative of William Wallace."
"Never!" cried Edwin; "thou alone art my prince, my friend, my brother,
my all in this world! My parents, dear as they are, would have buried
my youth in a cloister, but your name called me to honor, and to you,
in life or in death, I dedicate my being."
"Then," returned Wallace, "that honor summons you to the side of the
dying Bruce. He is now in the midst of his foes."
"And where art thou?" interrupted Edwin; "who drove thee hence but
enemies? who line these roads, but wretches sent to betray their
benefactor? No, my friend, thy fate shall be my fate--thy woe my woe!
We live, or we die together: the field, the cloister, or the tomb--all
shall be welcomed by Edwin Ruthven, if they separate him not from
thee!" Seeing that Wallace was going to speak, and fearful that it was
to repeat his commands to be left alone, he suddenly exclaimed with
vehemence: "Father of men and angels! grant me thy favor only as I am
true to the vow I have sworn, never more to leave the side of Sir
William Wallace!"
To urge the dangers in which such a resolution would expose this too
faithful friend, Wallace knew would be in vain: he read an invincible
determination in the eye and gesture of Edwin; and, therefore, yielding
to the demands of friendship, he threw himself upon his neck.
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