And, for Edward! believe, that not all thy tender
eloquence could make one impression, where a long obdurate ambition
hath set so deep a seal. I am content to go, my sister--and angels
whisper me," (and his voice became subdued, though still calm, while he
added, in a lowered tone, like that angel whisper) "that thy bridal bed
will be in William Wallace's grave!" She spoke not, but at this
assurance turned her tearful eyes upon him, with a beam of delight;
with such delight, the vestal consigns herself to the cloister; with
such delight, the widowed mourner lays her head to rest on the tomb of
him she loved. But with such delight none are acquainted who know not
what it is to be wedded to the soul of a beloved being, when the body
which was once its vestment lies moldering in the earth.
Gloucester contemplated this chaste union of two spotless hearts, with
an admiration almost amounting to devotion. "Noble lady," said he,
"the message that I came to impart to Sir William Wallace bears with it
a show of hope; and, I trust that your gentle spirit will yet be as
persuasive as consolatory. A deputation has just arrived from our
border-counties, headed by the good Barons de Hilton and De
Blenkinsopp, praying the royal mercy for their gallant foe, who had
been most generous to them, they set forth, in their extremity.
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