“So rapid had been the events,” observed the Scottish prince, when he concluded his narrative12, “that all appears to me a troubled vision; and blessed, indeed, was the awaking of last night, when your voice, sounding from the room below that in which I slept, called me to embrace my best friend, as became the son of my ancestors — free, and ready to renew the brightness of their name!”
The discourse13 next turned to their future plans. Wallace, narrating14 his adventure with the Red Reaver, proposed that the favor he should ask in return (the King of France being earnest to bestow15 on him some especial mark of gratitude17), should be his interference with Edward to grant the Scots a peaceable retention18 of their rights.
“In that case, my prince,” said he, “you will take possession of your kingdom with the olive-branch in your hand.”
Bruce smiled, but shook his head.
“And what then will Robert Bruce be? A king to be sure! — but a king without a name! Who won me my kingdom? Who accomplished19 this peace? Was it not William Wallace? Can I then consent to mount the throne of my ancestors — so poor, so inconsiderable a creature? I am not jealous of your fame, Wallace; I glory in it; for you are more to me than the light to my eyes; but I would prove my right to the crown by deeds worthy20 of a sovereign. Till I have shown myself in the field against Scotland’s enemies, I cannot consent to be restored to my inheritance, even by you.”
“And is it in war alone,” returned Wallace, “that you can show deeds worthy of a sovereign? Think a moment, my honored prince, and then scorn your objection. Look on the annals of history, nay21, on the daily occurrences of the world, and see how many are brave and complete generals; how few wise legislators; how few such efficient rulers as to procure22 obedience23 to the laws, and so give happiness to their people. This is the commission of a king — to be the representative on earth of the Father who is in heaven. Here is exercise for courage, for enterprise, for fortitude24, for every virtue25 which elevates the character of a man, this is the godlike jurisdiction26 of a sovereign. TO go to the field, to lead his people to scenes of carnage, is often a duty in kings; but it is one of those necessities, which, more than the trifling27 circumstances of sustaining nature by sleep and food, reminds the conqueror28 of the degraded state of mortality.48 The one shows the weakness of the body, the other, the corruption29 of the soul. For, how far must man have fallen beneath his former heavenly nature before he can delight in the destruction of his fellow-men! Lament30 not, then, brave and virtuous31 prince, that I have kept your hands from the stains of blood. Show yourself beyond the vulgar apprehension32 of what is fame; and, conscious of the powers with which the Creator has endowed you, assume your throne with the dignity that is their due. Whether it be to the cabinet or to the field that He calls you to act, obey; and rely on it, a name greater than that of the hero of Macedon will await Robert, King of Scots!”
48 Alexander the Great one day said to his friend Hephaestion, that “the business of eating and drinking compelled him to remember, and with a sense of abasement33, his mortal nature, although he was the son of Ammon.”
“You almost persuade me,” returned Bruce; “but let us see Philip, and then I will decide.”
As morning was now advanced, the friends turned toward the cottage, intending to see Baliol safe, and then proceed together to Guienne to the rescue of Lady Helen. That accomplished, they would visit Paris and hear its monarch34’s determination.
On entering the humble35 mansion36 they found Baliol awake, and anxiously inquiring of the widow what was become of the two knights37. At sight of them he stretched out his hands to both, and said he should be able to travel in a few hours. Wallace proposed sending to Rouen for a litter to carry him the more easily thither. “No,” cried Baliol with a frown; “Rouen shall never see me again within its walls. It was coming from thence that I lost my way last night; and though my poor servants would gladly have returned with me sooner than see me perish in the storm; yet rather would I have been found dead on the road, a reproach to the kings who have betrayed me, than have taken an hour’s shelter in that inhospitable city.”
While the friends took the simple breakfast prepared for them by the widow, Baliol related, that in consequence of the interference of Philip le Bel with Edward, he had been released from the Tower of London and sent to France, but under an oath never to leave that country. Philip gave the exiled king the castle of Galliard for a residence; where for some time he enjoyed the shadow of royalty39, having still a sort of court composed of his own noble followers40, some of whom were now with him, and the barons41 of the neighborhood. Philip allowed him guards and a splendid table. But on the peace being signed between France and England, in order that Edward might give up his ally the Earl of Flanders to his offended liege lord, the French monarch consented to relinquish42 the cause of Baliol, and though he should continue to grant him a shelter in his dominions43, he removed from him all the appendages44 of a king.
“Accordingly,” continued Baliol, “the guard was taken from my gates, my establishment reduced to that of a private nobleman, and no longer having it in my power to gratify the avidity or to flatter the ambition of those who came about me, I was soon left nearly alone. All but the poor old lieges whom you see, and who had been faithful to me through every change of my life, instantly deserted45 the forlorn Baliol. In vain I remonstrated46 with Philip. Either my letters never reached him, or he disdained47 to answer the man whose claims he had abandoned. Things were in this state when, the other day, and English lord found it convenient to bring his suit to my castle. I received him with hospitality, but soon found that what I gave in courtesy he seized as a right. In the true spirit of his master Edward he treated me more like the keeper of an hostel48 than a generous host. And on my attempting to plead with him for a Scottish lady whom his turbulent passions have forced from her country and reduced to a pitiable state of illness, he derided49 my arguments, sarcastically50 telling me that had I taken care of my kingdom, the door would not have been left open for him to steal its fairest prize —”
Wallace interrupted him: “Heaven grant you may be speaking of Lord de Valence and Lady Helen Mar16.”
“I am,” replied Baliol. “They are now at Galliard, and as her illness seems a lingering one, De Valence declared to me his intentions of continuing there. He seized upon the best apartments, and carried himself with so much haughtiness51 that, provoked beyond endurance, I ordered my horse and, accompanied by my honest courtiers, rode to Rouen to obtain redress52 from the governor. But the unworthy Frenchman advised me to go back, and by flattering De Valence try to regain53 the favor of Edward. I retired54 in indignation, determined55 to assert my own rights in my own castle, but the storm overtook me, and being forsaken56 by false friends, I am saved by generous enemies.”
Wallace explained his errand respecting Lady Helen, and anxiously inquired of Baliol whether he meant to return to Galliard?
“Immediately,” replied he; “go with me, and if the lady consents (which I do not doubt, for she scorns his prayers for her hand, and passes night and day in tears), I engage to assist in her escape.”
Baliol then advised they should not all return to the castle together, the sight of two knights of their appearance accompanying his host being likely to alarm De Valence.
“The quietest way,” continued the deposed57 king, “is the surest. Follow me at a short distance, and toward the shadows of evening, knock at the gates and request a night’s entertainment. I will grant it, and then your happy destiny, ever fortunate Wallace, must do the rest.”
This scheme being approved, a litter of hurdles58 was formed for the invalid59 monarch, and the old woman’s pallet spread upon it.
“I will return it to you, my good widow,” said Baliol, “and with proofs of my gratitude.”
The two friends assisted the king to rise. When he set his food on the floor, he felt so surprisingly better that he though he could ride the journey. Wallace overruled this wish, and with Bruce supported his emaciated60 figure toward the door. The widow stood to see her guests depart. As Baliol mounted the litter, he slid a piece of gold into her hand. Wallace saw not what the king had given and gave a purse as his reward. Bruce had naught61 to bestow. He had left Durham with little, and that little was expended62.
“My good widow,” said he, “I am poor in everything but gratitude. In lieu of gold you must accept my prayers.”
“May they, sweet youth,” replied she, “return on your own head, giving you bread from the barren land and water out of sterile63 rock!”
“And have you no blessing64 for me, mother?” asked Wallace, turning round and regarding her with an impressive look; “some spirit you wist not of, speaks in your words.”
“Then it must be a good spirit,” answered she; “for all around me betokens65 gladness. The Scripture66 saith, ‘Be kind to the wayfaring67 man, for many have so entertained angels unawares!’ Yesterday at this time I was the poorest of all the daughters of charity.
“Last night I opened my doors in the storm, you enter and give me riches; he follows and endows me with his prayers! Am I not then greatly favored by Him who dispenseth to all who trust in Him. His mercy and your goodness shall not be hidden; for from this day forth I will light a fire each night in a part of my house whence it may be seen on every side from a great distance. Like you, princely knight38, whose gold will make it burn, it shall shine afar, and give light and comfort to all who approach it.”
“And when you look on it,” said Wallace, “tell your beads68 for me. I am a son of war, and it may blaze when my vital spark is expiring.”
The widow paused, gazed on him steadily69, and then burst into tears.
“Is it possible,” cried she, “that beautiful face may be laid in dust, that youthful form lay cold in clay, and these aged70 limbs survive to light a beacon71 to your memory! — and it shall arise! it shall burn like a holy flame, an incense72 to Heaven for the soul of him who has succored73 the feeble, and made the widow’s heart to sing for joy!”
Wallace pressed the old woman’s withered74 hand; Bruce did the same. She saw them mount their horses, and when they disappeared from her eyes, she returned into her cottage and wept.
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收听单词发音
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1
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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umbrageous
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| adj.多荫的 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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7
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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beech
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| n.山毛榉；adj.山毛榉的 | |
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canopied
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| adj. 遮有天篷的 | |
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winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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12
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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14
narrating
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| v.故事( narrate的现在分词 ) | |
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15
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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16
mar
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| vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟 | |
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17
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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18
retention
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| n.保留，保持，保持力，记忆力 | |
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19
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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20
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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21
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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22
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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23
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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25
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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26
jurisdiction
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| n.司法权，审判权，管辖权，控制权 | |
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trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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30
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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31
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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32
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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33
abasement
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| n.滥用 | |
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34
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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35
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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36
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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37
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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38
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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39
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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40
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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41
barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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42
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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43
dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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44
appendages
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| n.附属物( appendage的名词复数 )；依附的人；附属器官；附属肢体（如臂、腿、尾等） | |
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45
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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46
remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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47
disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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48
hostel
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| n.（学生）宿舍，招待所 | |
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49
derided
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| v.取笑，嘲笑( deride的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
sarcastically
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| adv.挖苦地，讽刺地 | |
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51
haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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52
redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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53
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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54
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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55
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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56
Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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57
deposed
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| v.罢免( depose的过去式和过去分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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58
hurdles
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| n.障碍( hurdle的名词复数 )；跳栏；（供人或马跳跃的）栏架；跨栏赛 | |
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59
invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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60
emaciated
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| adj.衰弱的，消瘦的 | |
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61
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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62
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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63
sterile
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| adj.不毛的，不孕的，无菌的，枯燥的，贫瘠的 | |
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64
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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65
betokens
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的第三人称单数 ) | |
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66
scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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67
wayfaring
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| adj.旅行的n.徒步旅行 | |
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68
beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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69
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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70
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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71
beacon
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| n.烽火，（警告用的）闪火灯，灯塔 | |
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72
incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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73
succored
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| v.给予帮助( succor的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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