The Scottish Chiefs

ell C

rmory, she sat down to weave into its silken texture the amber locks of the Scottish chief. Admiring their so

ghed to herself; "what a pang must have rent her heart, when the stroke of so cruel a death tore her from such a husband! and how must he have loved her, when for her sake he thus forswears all future joys but those which camps and victories may yield! Ah! what

her cousin, who begged admittance. She had just fastened the flowing char

e of Sir William Wallace. The virtuous only can awaken any interest in her heart; and in these degenerate days long might have been its sleep had not the history which my uncle recounted of your brave master aroused her attention, and filled her with an admiration equal to my own. I know she rejoices

he smiles of its mistress, did not require persuasion to appear before the gentle lady of Mar

little did my dear lady think," exclaimed he, "that one of these loved locks would ever be suspended on a staff to lead men to battle! What changes h

ed Helen; "had you, then, an opportunity of per

is castle, assisted me to place her precious body in my lord's orato

er sacred relics have been c

been as dear to my master as that of the Carth; and well it might be, for it was not only the home of all his wedded joys, but under its roof his mother, the Lady Margaret Crawford, drew her first breath. Ah! woe is me! that happy house is now, like herself, reduced to cold, cold ashes! She married Sir Malcolm Wallace, and he is gone too! B

west of the won of Paisley, and nine from Glasgow. A large old oak, still called Wallace's Oak, stands close to the road from Paisley to Leith, and within a short distance from it once stood the manor of Ellerslie. The

is messenger should not be himself. Lady Helen, who had fallen into a reverie d

flames, but perhaps the access of the English soldiers? Would it not comfort yo

gration of Ellerslie; and for fear of precipitating him into the new dangers which might

t away," rejoined Lady Helen;

ommand my services

the completion of her design easy. The English soldier

bert, "suppose you should meet some o

le, that I seek the glen? and shall anything in mortal shape make Andrew Murray turn his back? No, Halbert! I was not born on St. Andrew's day for

had no attractions to hold marauders amongst its ruins, she dismissed Lord Andrew to

earthly part of the angel now in paradise will be safe within these towers." He poured a thousand blessings on her head, and alm

substance of her conversation with Wallace's faithful servant; "and my wish is," conti

of satisfaction at the filial affection which

e your permission to pay our debt of gratitude to

, to do as you please. My vassals,

ay I have what I please f

aid the earl; "your unc

a sword in so

. Murray, who met her in the anteroom, informed her that fifty men, the sturdiest in the glen, awaited her orders; while she

y waved his hands in token of silence; while she, smiling with

y this night's enterprise, you assist me to pay, in part, the everlast

om following this standard to the field for Scotland's honor? Who will refuse to make himself the especial gu

advancing before his fellows, "who

burst from ev

and this banner shall then lead you to the side of Sir William Wallace. In the shock of battle look at its golden ensign, and remember that God not only armeth the patriot's hand, but sh

s. Murray, ready armed for his expedition, met her at the door. Restored to his usual vivacity by the spirit-moving emotions which the present scene awakened in his heart, he forgot the horror which had aroused his zeal, in the glor

e earl is now going to raise. Speak but the word, and you shall find, worthy Englis

possessions, or have naught but my English blood and my oath to my king to bind me, still I should be equally unwarranted in breaking these bonds. I left Heselrigge because he dishonored my country; and for me to forswear h

y persuasions to the contrary; and taking a diamond clasp from her bosom, she put it

g, swore to preserve so distinguishing a

her good-night, repaired to the earl's apartments, to take his fina