His uncle received him kindly.
"Ah! my boy," he said, "I feared that your wilful disposition would have its way.

You have embarked young on a stormy course, and none can say where it will end.

I myself have no hope that it can be successful.

Did the English rule depend solely on the troops which garrison our towns and fortresses, I should believe that Wallace might possibly expel them; but this is as nothing.

Edward can march a hundred and fifty thousand trained soldiers hither, and how will it be possible for any gathering of Scotchmen to resist these?
However, you have chosen your course, and as it is too late to draw back now, I would not dispirit you.