for the rights they would gladly regain by the exertions of others.
And others, again, who had families, shrunk from taking part in a cause
which, should it fail, would not only put their lives in danger, but
expose their offspring to the revenge of a resentful enemy. This was
the best apology of any that had been offered; natural affection was
the pleader; and though blinded to its true interest, such weakness had
an amiable source, and so was pardoned. But the other pleas were so
basely selfish, so undeserving of anything but scorn, that Sir Eustace
Maxwell could not forbear expressing it. "When Sir William Wallace is
entering full sail, you will send your hirelings to tow him in! but if
a plank could save him now, you would not throw it to him! I
understand you, sirs, and shall trouble your patriotism no more."

In short, none but about a hundred poor fellows whom outrages had
rendered desperate, and a few brave spirits who would put all to the
hazard for so good a cause, could be prevailed on to hold themselves in
readiness to obey Sir Eustace, when he should see the moment to conduct
them to Sir William Wallace. He was trying his eloquence among the
clan at Lennox, when Ker arriving, stamped his persuasions with truth;
and above five hundred men arranged themselves under their lord's
standard. Maxwell gladly explained himself to Wallace's lieutenant;
and summoning his little reserve, they marched with flying pennons
through the town of Dumbarton. At sight of so much larger a power than
they expected would venture to appear in arms, and sanctioned by the
example of the Earl of Lennox (whose name held a great influence in
those parts), several, who before had held back, from doubting their
own judgment, now came forward; and nearly eight hundred well-appointed
men marched into the fortress.

So large a reinforcement was gratefully received by Wallace; and he