Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/52

 ( 52 ) The glory of Wallace now shone in all its meridian splendor.' By his numerous and signal" victories and military achievements, he was become the admiration of Europe, the terror of England, and the darling of his countrymen. But, in proportion to his native merit and ac- quired greatness, he become the object of envy, jealousy, a dread to the nobility in Scotland. With singular meanness of soul, they considered the just praises that were lavished upon him, as an indirect reflection cast upon them, who either could not, or would not, imitate his conduct. They reasoned with themselves, that if a private person, a younger brother, of none of the most opulent families in the kingdom, destitute of every assistance, but courage to hazard, and wisdom to contrive, lad taken in hand the work which properly belonged to them, and effected it so completely and so success. fully, that row he was become their superior; what might he not be tempted to achieve. and whither might not fortune carry a man of his spirit. In particular, John Cumming of Bade- noch, and Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, both of wiring dispositions, and of the blood-royal, were suspicious that Wallace would usurp the royal sovereignty and seize the crown; to which they had a just and legal claim. Impelled by these mistaken motives: the one openly revolted to the enemy, and the other, though he continued with Wallace, acted a very feeble part