one of the mountain streams. "This land was not made for slaves. Look
at these bulwarks of nature! Every mountain-head which forms this
chain of hills is an impregnable rampart against invasion. If Baliol
had possessed but half a heart, Edward might have returned even worse
than Caesar-without a cockle to decorate his helmet."

"Baliol has found the oblivion he incurred," returned Wallace; "his
son, perhaps, may better deserve the scepter of such a country. Let us
cut the way, and he who merits the crown will soon appear to claim it."

"Then it will not be Edward Baliol!" rejoined Scrymgeour. "During the
inconsistent reign of his father, I once carried a despatch to him from
Scotland. He was then banqueting in all the luxuries of the English
court; and such a voluptuary I never beheld! I left the scene of
folly, only praying that so effeminate a prince might never disgrace
the throne of our manly race of kings."

"If such be the tuition of our lords in the court of Edward-and wise is
the policy for his own views!" observed Ker, "what can we expect from
even the Bruce? They were ever a nobler race than the Baliol; but bad
education and luxury will debase the most princely minds."

"I saw neither of the Bruce when I visited London," replied Scrymgeour;
"the Earl of Carrick was at his house in Cleveland, and Robert Bruce,
his eldest son, with the English army in Guienne. But they bore a
manly character, particularly young Robert, to whom the troubadours of
Aquitaine have given the flattering appellation of Prince of Chivalry."

"It would be more to his honor," interrupted Murray, "if he compelled
the English to acknowledge him as Prince of Scotland. With so much