# Epigraph explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## What happens

The epigraph presents a brief poetic image of a person being prepared for execution, hesitating at the final moment of departure.

## Key lines

> Now fitted the halter, now traversed the cart, And often took leave⁠—but seemed loath to depart!

The noose was placed around the neck, the cart was moved into position, and the condemned person repeatedly said goodbye but appeared reluctant to go.

_The epigraph evokes a grim, ironic tone of delay and reluctance before execution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters