the trade of war demands no saints

Tell me that blessed news, said Roland, and the future service of my life —
Rash boy! said the Abbot, I should but madden thine impatient temper, by exciting hopes that may never be fulfilled — and is this a time for them? Think on what perilous march we are bound, and if thou hast a sin unconfessed, neglect not the only leisure which Heaven may perchance afford thee for confession and absolution.
There will be time enough for both, I trust, when we reach Dunbarton, answered the page. Even so, replied the Abbot, speak many of those who are older, and should be wiser, than thou.— I have returned from the southern shires, where I left many a chief of name arming in the Queen’s interest — I left the lords here wise and considerate men — I find them madmen on my return — they are willing, for mere pride and vain-glory, to brave the enemy, and to carry the Queen, as it were in triumph, past the walls of Glasgow, and under the beards of the adverse army.— Seldom does Heaven smile on such mistimed confidence. We shall be encountered, and that to the purpose.
And so much the better, replied Roland; the field of battle was my cradle.
Beware it be not thy dying bed, said the Abbot. But what avails it whispering to young wolves the dangers of the chase? You will know, perchance, ere this day is out, what yonder men are, whom you hold in rash contempt.
Why, what are they? said Henry Seyton, who now joined them: have they sinews of wire, and flesh of iron?— Will lead pierce and steel cut them?— If so, reverend father, we have little to fear.
They are evil men, said the Abbot, but the trade of war demands no saints.— Murray and Morton are known to be the best generals in Scotland. No one ever saw Lindesay’s or Ruthven’s back — Kirkaldy of Grange was named by the Constable Montmorency the first soldier in Europe — My brother, too good a name for such a cause, has been far and wide known for a soldier.
The better, the better! said Seyton, triumphantly; we shall have all these traitors of rank and name in a fair field before us. Our cause is the best, our numbers are the strongest, our hearts and limbs match theirs — Saint Bennet, and set on! Escaping? answered the Lord Seyton; when I stand as one to ten of your Highness’s enemies, I may think of escape — but never while I stand with three to two!
Battle! battle! exclaimed the assembled lords; we will drive the rebels from their vantage ground, as the hound turns the hare on the hill side.
Methinks, my noble lords, said the Abbot, it were as well to prevent his gaining that advantage.— Our road lies through yonder hamlet on the brow, and whichever party hath the luck to possess it, with its little gardens and enclosures, will attain a post of great defence.
The reverend father is right, said the Queen. Oh, haste thee, Seyton, haste, and get thither before them — they are marching like the wind.
Seyton bowed low, and turned his horse’s head.—Your Highness honours me, he said; I will instantly press forward, and seize the pass.
Not before me, my lord, whose charge is the command of the vanguard, said the Lord of Arbroath.