Neither rebels nor abettors of rebels, we neither acknowledge the necessity of submitting ourselves to a tyrant's mercy, nor desire the advantage of his offered grace.
Return, sir herald; we scorn the conditions proposed.

We are here for Scotland and for Scotland's king, and for them we know both how to live and how to die." His words were echoed by all around him, and there was a sharp clang of steel, as if each man half drew his eager sword, which spoke yet truer than mere words.

Dark brows and features stern were bent upon the herald as he left their presence, and animated council followed his departure.
No new movement followed the return of the herald.

For some days no decisive operation was observable in the English force; and when they did attack the outworks, it was as if more to pass the time than with any serious intent.

It was a period of fearful suspense to the besieged.
Their storehouses were scarcely sufficiently provided to hold out for any great length of time, and they almost imagined that to reduce them to extremities by famine was the intention of the besiegers.