“We come, Sir William Wallace, by the command of the regent, and the assembled abthanes of Scotland, to take these brave troops, which have performed such good service to their country, from the power of a man who, we have every reason to believe, means to turn their arms against the liberties of the realm. Without a pardon from the state; without the signature of the regent; in contempt of court, which, having found you guilty of high treason, had in mercy delayed to pronounce the sentence on your crime, you have presumed to place yourself at the head of the national troops, and to take to yourself the merit of a victory won by their prowess alone! Your designs are known, and the authority you have despised is now roused to punish. You are to accompany us this day to Stirling. We have brought a guard of four thousand men to compel your obedience7.”
Before the indignant spirit of Wallace could utter the answer his wrongs dictated8, Bothwell, who at sight of the regent’s troops had hastened to his general’s tent, entered, followed by his chieftains: “Were your guard forty thousand, instead of four,” cried he, “they should not force our commander from us — they should not extinguish the glory of Scotland beneath the traitorous10 devices of hell-engendered envy and murderous cowardice11.”
Soulis turned on him with eyes of fire, and laid his hand on his sword.
“Ay, cowardice!” reiterated12 Bothwell; “the midnight ravisher, the slanderer13 of virtue14, the betrayer of his country, knows in his heart that he fears to draw aught but the assassin’s steel. He dreads15 the scepter of honor: Wallace must fall, that vice6 and her votaries16 may reign17 in Scotland. A thousand brave Scots lie under these sods, and a thousand yet survive who may share their graves; but they never will relinquish18 their invincible19 leader into the hands of traitors20!”
The clamors of the citadel21 of Stirling now resounded22 through the tent of Wallace. Invectives, accusations23, threatenings, reproaches, and revilings, joined in one turbulent uproar24. Again swords were drawn25; and Wallace, in attempting to beat down the weapons of Soulis and Buchan, aimed at Bothwell’s heart, must have received the point of Soulis’ in his own body, had he not grasped the blade, and wrenching26 it out of the chief’s hand, broke it into shivers: “Such be the fate of every sword which Scot draws against Scot!” cried he. “Put up your weapons, my friends. The arm of Wallace is not shrunk, that he could not defend himself, did he think that violence were necessary. Hear my determination, once and forever!” added he. “I acknowledge no authority in Scotland but the laws. The present regent and his abthanes outrage27 them in every ordinance28, and I should indeed be a traitor9 to my country did I submit to such men’s behests. I shall not obey their summons to Stirling; neither will I permit a hostile arm to be raised in this camp against their delegates, unless the violence begins with them. This is my answer.” Uttering these words he motioned Bothwell to follow him, and left the tent.
Crossing a rude plank-bridge, which then lay over the Eske, he met Lord Ruthven, accompanied by Edwin and Lord Sinclair. The latter came to inform Wallace that embassadors from Edward awaited his presence at Roslyn.
“They came to offer peace to our distracted country,” cried Sinclair.
“Then,” answered Wallace, “I shall not delay going where I may hear the terms.” Horses were brought; and, during their short ride, to prevent the impassioned representations of the still raging Bothwell, Wallace communicated, to his not less indignant friends, the particulars of the scene he had left. “These contentions29 must be terminated,” added he; “and with God’s blessing30, a few days and they shall be so!”
“Heaven grant it!” returned Sinclair, thinking he referred to the proposed negotiation31. “If Edward’s offers be at all reasonable, I would urge you to accept them; otherwise invasion from without, and civil commotion32 within, will probably make a desert of poor Scotland.”
Ruthven interrupted him: “Despair not, my lord! Whatever be the fate of this embassy, let us remember that it is our steadiest friend who decides, and that his arm is still with us to repel33 invasion, to chastise34 treason!”
Edwin’s eyes turned with a direful expression upon Wallace, while he lowly murmured: “Treason! hydra35 treason!”
Wallace understood him, and answered: “Grievous are the alternatives, my friends, which your love for me would persuade you even to welcome. But that which I shall choose will, I trust, indeed lay the land at peace, or point its hostilities36 to the only aim against which a true Scot ought to direct his sword at this crisis!”
Being arrived at the gate of Roslyn, Wallace, regardless of those ceremonials which often delay the business they pretend to dignify37, entered at once into the hall where the embassadors sat. Baron38 Hilton was one, and Le de Spencer (father of the young and violent envoy39 of that name) was the other. At sight of the Scottish chief they rose; and the good baron, believing he came on a propitious40 errand, smiling, said, “Sir William Wallace, it is your private ear I am commanded to seek.” While speaking, he looked on Sinclair and the other lords.”
“These chiefs are as myself,” replied Wallace; “but I will not impede41 your embassy by crossing the wishes of your master in a trifle.” He then turned to his friends: “Indulge the monarch42 of England in making me the first acquainted with that which can only be a message to the whole nation.”
The chiefs withdrew; and Hilton, without further parley43, opened the mission. He said that King Edward, more than ever impressed with the wondrous44 military talents of Sir William Wallace, and solicitous45 to make a friend of so heroic an enemy, had sent him an offer of grace, which, if he contemned46, must be the last. He offered him a theater whereon he might display his peerless endowments to the admiration47 of the world — the kingdom of Ireland, with its yet unreaped fields of glory, and all the ample riches of its abundant provinces, should be his! Edward only required, in return for this royal gift, that he should abandon the cause of Scotland, swear fealty48 to him for Ireland, and resign into his hands one whom he had proscribed49 as the most ungrateful of traitors. In double acknowledgment for the latter sacrifice Wallace need only send to England a list of those Scottish lords against whom he bore resentment50, and their fates should be ordered according to his dictates51. Edward concluded his offers by inviting52 him immediately to London, to be invested with his new sovereignty; and Hilton ended his address by showing him the madness of abiding53 in a country where almost every chief, secretly or openly, carried a dagger54 against his life; and therefore he exhorted55 him no longer to contend for a nation so unworthy of freedom, that it bore with impatience56 the only man who had the courage to maintain its independence by virtue alone.
Wallace replied calmly, and without hesitation57:
“To this message an honest man can make but one reply. As well might your sovereign exact of me to dethrone the angels of heaven, as to require me to subscribe58 to his proposals. They do but mock me; and aware of my rejection59, they are thus delivered, to throw the whole blame of this cruelly-persecuting war upon me. Edward knows that as a knight60, a true Scot, and a man, I should dishonor myself to accept even life, ay, or the lives of all my kindred, upon these terms.”
Hilton interrupted him by declaring the sincerity61 of Edward; and, contrasting it with the ingratitude62 of the people whom he had served, he conjured63 him, with every persuasive64 of rhetoric65, every entreaty66 dictated by a mind that revered67 the very firmness he strove to shake, to relinquish his faithless country, and become the friend of a king ready to receive him with open arms. Wallace shook his head; and with an incredulous smile which spoke69 his thoughts of Edward, while his eyes beamed kindness upon Hilton, he answered:
“Can the man who would bribe70 me to betray a friend, be faithful in friendship? But that is not the weight with me. I was not brought up in those schools, my good baron, which teach that sound policy or true self-interest can be separated from virtue. When I was a boy, my father often repeated to me this proverb:
“Dico tibi verum, honestas, optima rerum, Nunquam servili sub nexu vivitur fili.”56
56 This saying of the parental71 teacher of Wallace is recorded. It means, “Know of a certainty that virtue, the best of possessions, never can exist under the bond of servility.”
I learned it then; I have since made it the standard of my actions, and I answer your monarch in a word. Were all my countrymen to resign their claims to the liberty which is their right, I alone would declare the independence of my country; and by God’s assistance, while I live, acknowledge no other master than the laws of St. David, and the legitimate72 heir of his blood!”
The glow of resolute73 patriotism74 which overspread his countenance75 while he spoke was reflected by a fluctuating color on that of Hilton.
“Noble chief!” cried he; “I admire while I regret; I revere68 the virtue which I am even now constrained76 to denounce. These principles, bravest of men, might have suited the simple ages of Greece and Rome; a Phocion or a Fabricius might have uttered the like, and compelled the homage77 of their enemies; but in these days, such magnanimity is considered frenzy78, and ruin is its consequence.”
“And shall a Christian,” cried Wallace, reddening with the flush of honest shame, “deem the virtue which even heathens practiced with veneration79, of too pure a nature to be exercised by men taught by Christ himself? There is blasphemy80 in the idea, and I can hear no more.”
Hilton, in confusion, excused his argument by declaring that it proceeded from his observations on the conduct of men.
“And shall we,” replied Wallace, “follow a multitude to do evil? I act to one Being alone. Edward must acknowledge HIS supremacy81, and by that know that my soul is above all price!”
“Am I answered?” said Hilton, and then hastily interrupting himself, he added, in a voice even of supplication82; “your fate rests on your reply! Oh! noblest of warriors83, consider only for the day!”
“Not for a moment,” said Wallace; “I am sensible of your kindness; but my answer to Edward has been pronounced.”
Baron Hilton turned sorrowfully away, and Le de Spencer rose.
“Sir William Wallace, my part of the embassy must be delivered to you in the assembly of your chieftains.”
“In the congregation of my camp?” returned he; and opening the door of the ante-room, in which his friends stood, he sent Edwin to summon his chiefs to the platform before the council tent.
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1
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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persuasions
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| n.劝说，说服（力）( persuasion的名词复数 )；信仰 | |
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vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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9
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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traitorous
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| adj. 叛国的, 不忠的, 背信弃义的 | |
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cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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12
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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13
slanderer
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| 造谣中伤者 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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15
dreads
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| n.恐惧，畏惧( dread的名词复数 )；令人恐惧的事物v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的第三人称单数 ) | |
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16
votaries
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| n.信徒( votary的名词复数 )；追随者；（天主教）修士；修女 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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18
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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23
accusations
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| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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wrenching
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| n.修截苗根，苗木铲根（铲根时苗木不起土或部分起土）v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的现在分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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ordinance
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| n.法令；条令；条例 | |
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contentions
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| n.竞争( contention的名词复数 )；争夺；争论；论点 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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negotiation
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| n.谈判，协商 | |
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commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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34
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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35
hydra
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| n.水螅；难于根除的祸患 | |
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hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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37
dignify
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| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
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38
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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envoy
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| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
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40
propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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impede
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，阻止 | |
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42
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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43
parley
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| n.谈判 | |
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44
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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45
solicitous
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| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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46
contemned
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| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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47
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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48
fealty
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| n.忠贞，忠节 | |
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49
proscribed
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| v.正式宣布（某事物）有危险或被禁止( proscribe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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51
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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52
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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53
abiding
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| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
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54
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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55
exhorted
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| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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57
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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58
subscribe
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| vi.(to)订阅，订购；同意；vt.捐助，赞助 | |
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rejection
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| n.拒绝，被拒，抛弃，被弃 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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63
conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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64
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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rhetoric
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| n.修辞学，浮夸之言语 | |
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entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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67
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
revere
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| vt.尊崇，崇敬，敬畏 | |
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69
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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71
parental
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| adj.父母的；父的；母的 | |
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72
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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veneration
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| n.尊敬，崇拜 | |
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80
blasphemy
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| n.亵渎，渎神 | |
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81
supremacy
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| n.至上；至高权力 | |
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82
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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