But, my lord," added he, "if the courage of this youth amazes you, what will you say ought to be the fate of this country?
what to be the crown of Sir William Wallace's career, when you know the chain of brave hearts by which he is surrounded?
Even tender woman loses the weakness of her sex when she belongs to him." Earl de Warenne, surprised at the energy with which he spoke, looked at him with an expression that told him so.
"Yes," continued he, "I witnessed the heroism of Lady Wallace, when she defended the character of her husband in the midst of an armed host, and preserved the secret of his retreat inviolate.

I saw that loveliest of women, whom the dastard Heselrigge slew." "Disgrace to knighthood!" cried Edwin, with indignant vehemence; "if you were a spectator of that bloody deed, retire from this house; go to Cambus-Kenneth--anywhere; but leave this city before the injured Wallace arrives; blast not his eyes with a second sight of one who could have beheld his wife murdered." Every eye was now fixed on the commanding figure of the young Edwin, who stood with the determination of being obeyed breathing in every look.

De Warenne then at once saw the possibility of so gentle a creature being transformed into the soul of enterprise, into the fearless and effective soldier.
Lord Montgomery held out his hand to Edwin.

"By this right arm, I swear, noble youth, that had I been on the spot when Heselrigge, lifted his sword against the breast of Lady Wallace, I would have sheathed my sword in his.

It was before then that I saw that matchless woman; and offended with my want of severity in the scrutiny I had made at Ellerslie for its chief.