Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/6

 (6) hastened to his paternal uncle, an opulent clergyman at Dunipace, in Stirlingshire. His hostilities were now commenced with the English, and time and circumstances so exasperated his mighty soul, that nothing could equal his aversion to them, but his ne for his own country. During his residence with his uncle, he applauded the bent of his genius, cherished those feelings which were naturally inherent in his mind, and matured those dispo- sitions which were to bless his country, and crown him with the laurels of immortal fame. The usual maxim that he inculeated upon his mind was, that " Liberty was the best of human " blessings, and, that without is lite was not " worth enjoying." After a short residence with his uncle at Dunipaçe, he and his mother returned home to Ellerslie. but upon their return, found that his father and elder brother had been cruelly murdered by the English at Lochnaben. His great and noble mind was roused with indignation, and, panting with revenge, he meditated retaliations worthy of his country's sufferings, and of the injuries which had bereft him of a father, and of an, only brother. As he could no longer remain under his mother's roof, and as his uncle, Crawford, durst not give him shelter. for fear of the English, she went to live secretly at Riccartoun, in the house of Sir: Richard Wallace,, his paternal uncle. When residing with his uncle, he went one day to fish in the water of Irving; meanwhile Lord