# XXVI explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Wamba, disguised as a friar, gains entry to Front-de-Boeuf's castle to rescue Cedric and Athelstane. He offers to exchange clothes with Cedric so that Cedric can escape, but Cedric initially insists that Athelstane should go instead. After a debate, Cedric accepts the disguise and leaves, armed with the password 'Pax vobiscum.' On his way out, he is stopped by a woman seeking comfort for a wounded prisoner.

## Themes in this chapter

### Norman-Saxon Conflict

The captivity of Cedric and Athelstane by Norman lords highlights the ongoing oppression of Saxons.

### Love and Loyalty

Wamba's selfless offer to sacrifice himself for his master Cedric exemplifies deep loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Wamba

Disguises himself as a friar to enter the castle and offers to take Cedric's place.

### Cedric the Saxon

Imprisoned with Athelstane; initially refuses Wamba's offer but eventually escapes in disguise.

### Athelstane of Coningsburgh

Imprisoned alongside Cedric; stoically accepts his fate and urges Cedric to escape.

### Reginald Front-de-Boeuf

Lord of the castle; admits the disguised Wamba and orders him to prepare the prisoners for death.

### Brian de Bois-Guilbert

Advises Front-de-Boeuf not to trust the friar and suggests sending a written order to De Bracy's company.

## Key lines

> The hottest horse will oft be cool, The dullest will show fire; The friar will often play the fool, The fool will play the friar.

Even the most spirited horse can become calm, and the slowest can show energy; similarly, a friar may act foolishly, and a fool may take on the role of a friar.

_Epigraph foreshadowing Wamba's disguise as a friar._

> Pax vobiscum

Peace be with you

_Latin greeting used by Wamba and later Cedric to maintain their disguise as a friar._

> I am a poor brother of the Order of St. Francis, who come hither to do my office to certain unhappy prisoners now secured within this castle.

I am a humble Franciscan friar here to minister to some prisoners held in this castle.

_Wamba's false introduction to gain entry._

> Take thou this frock and cord, which are all the orders I ever had, and march quietly out of the castle, leaving me your cloak and girdle to take the long leap in thy stead.

Take my friar's robe and rope, and walk out of the castle, leaving me your cloak and belt so I can die in your place.

_Wamba's proposal to exchange clothes with Cedric._

> The spell lies in two words—Pax vobiscum will answer all queries.

The magic is in just two words: 'Pax vobiscum' will suffice for any question.

_Wamba instructs Cedric on how to use the Latin phrase to maintain his disguise._

## Links

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