The Gavelyte, March 1908

- -------------·- ·- who doPs his best. for, if the critical world ignore him, his labor is weighed in the scales of Omniscient Justice. As there is no effect without a cause, no losR of energy in this world, so conscientious persistence cannot fail of itR ultimate reward.'' A.mid the storms and strife of the thirteenth century, as the Rtrength and power of old glorious Scotland, that land of joyful memories and nation– al pride was gradually withering under the cruel and oppressive hand of greedy England, we meet another character, who compels our admiration and respect, because his life embodies the characteristics, of a man who could achieve ultimate success. As the nation settled to its doom, this character came forward as the unconquerable champion of the Highland and Lowland coun– try. the defender of Scottish homes and firesi<les, SIR WILLIAM WALLACK Not from any natural inclination for strife or contention, did this pa– triotic 8cot become a man of blood. but from a virtue which bore down ev– ery other consideration. That virtue was his love of country, accompanied by a thorough detestation of tyranny, injustice and usurpation. It was this unconquerable feeling working upon an impulsive temperament, that as oc– easion required changed the lamb into a lion, the peaceful man into a de– termined warrior. and Pnabled him, though single-handed, to overpower a throng of enemies. Without this patriotic enthusiasm, which so worked it– self into his entire being as to become his life's passion, he never could have Htood out with such indomitable courage the only man in Scotland who would not bend the knee to the proud invader. England. But the hour of apparent defeat came to Wallace as it comes Lo every man who battles for the cause of right. everthelesR, as the defeat at Bull Run was really the greatest victory of the Ci\·il War for the North, inaR- -muc-h as it sent the cowards to the rear and the politicians home, so Wal– lace's defeat at Falkirk was the greatest victory of his life. In each case, it war-; the lightning flaRh in the dark night of the nation's peril, which re– \'PalPd the weak and treacherous army poRitions . •\ ft>w years later, hi8 Lowland followern leave him, his fri1--n<}i:; the no– LlPH de:-;ert him. and Wallace stands alone. The kiss of betrayal is stamped upon his brow; in London a cruel trial iR held; a revolting senten<·e of death is prnnouneed, mingled with jeerR, slum and mnny other inRolent wrongs; thf, :t<1lid executioner comes fmward to barbarouRly minister the Rentence ,,f ilir-memhnmPnt then ' ',allacP iR Rlain.