They answered his glance with looks that said they understood him: and passing a few words in whispers to each other, one at last spoke aloud: "Decide for us, earl.

We are as ready to die as to live; so that in neither we may be divided from you." At this generous declaration the proud despair of De Monthermer gave way to nobler feelings; and while a big tear stood in each eye, he turned to Wallace, and stretching out his hand to him.

"Noble Scot," said he, "your unexampled generosity, and the invincible fidelity of these heroic men, have compelled me to accept the life I had resolved to lose under these walls, rather than resign them.

But virtue is resistless, and to it do I surrender that pride of soul which made existence insufferable under the consciousness of having erred.

When I became the husband of King Edward's daughter, I believed myself pledged to victories or to death.