bravery, how can he allow such a civetcat as Edward Baliol to bear away
the title, which is his by the double right of blood and virtue?"

"Perhaps," said Wallace, "the young lion only sleeps! The time may
come, when both he and his father will rise from their lethargy, and
throw themselves at once into the arms of Scotland. To stimulate the
dormant patriotism of these two princes, by showing them a subject
leading their people to liberty, is one great end of the victories I
seek. None other than a brave king can bind the various interests of
this distracted country into one; and therefore, for fair Freedom's
sake, my heart turns toward the Bruces with most anxious hopes."

"For my part," cried Murray, "I have always thought the lady we will
not woo we have no right to pretend to. If the Bruces will not be at
the pains to snatch Scotland from drowning, I see no reason for making
them a present of what will cost us many a wet jacket before we tug her
from the waves. He that wins the day ought to wear the laurel; and so,
once for all, I proclaim him King of good old Albin,** who will have
the glory of driving her oppressors beyond her dikes."

**Albin was the ancient name of Scotland.

Wallace did not hear this last sentiment of Murray's, as it was spoken
in a lowered voice in the ear of Kirkpatrick. "I perfectly agree with
you," was the knight's reply; "and in the true Roman style, may the
death of every Southron now in Scotland, and as many more as fate
chooses to yield us, be the preliminary games of his coronation!"

Wallace, who heard this, turned to Kirkpatrick with a mild rebuke in
his eye. "Balaam blessed, when he meant to curse!" said he; "but some