Twenty Years After · Chapter
LV: The Scotchman explained
Athos and Aramis arrive at the royalist camp near Newcastle to warn King Charles I that Cromwell has arrived and that the Scottish army, led by Lord Leven, has betrayed him by agreeing to sell him to the English Parliament for two hundred t
What happens
Athos and Aramis arrive at the royalist camp near Newcastle to warn King Charles I that Cromwell has arrived and that the Scottish army, led by Lord Leven, has betrayed him by agreeing to sell him to the English Parliament for two hundred thousand pounds. Despite the king's initial despair, Athos persuades him to attempt an escape across the Tyne into Scotland. However, as they prepare to flee, they discover the enemy has surrounded the camp, and the king's Highlanders appear to have turned against him.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Duty
Athos and Aramis act out of loyalty to the king and queen, risking their lives to save Charles despite the overwhelming odds.
Revenge and Justice
The betrayal by the Scottish army raises questions of justice and the king's desire for the shame of 'treble treason' to fall on the traitors.
Power and Corruption
The Scottish army's sale of their king for money illustrates the corrupting influence of power and greed.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Arrives at the royalist camp with Aramis to warn King Charles I of the betrayal; persuades the king to attempt escape.
- Aramis
Accompanies Athos to the camp; supports the plan to save the king.
- Charles Stuart
King Charles I, betrayed by his Scottish allies; initially resigned but agrees to attempt escape after Athos's plea.
- Lord de Winter
Loyal to the king; shares Athos and Aramis's concerns and helps prepare the escape.
- Mordaunt
Mentioned as having ordered the Standard to sail to Durham; not directly present in the camp scene.
- Grimaud
Holds horses ready for the escape.
- Blaisois
Holds horses ready for the escape.
- Lord Leven
Scottish commander who betrays the king by selling him to Cromwell for two hundred thousand pounds.
Key passages
“I said, sire, that four hundred thousand pounds are owing to the Scottish army. ... tonight they have sold you for two hundred thousand pounds—that is to say, for half what is owing them.”
Athos informs the king that the Scottish army, owed four hundred thousand pounds in back pay, has betrayed him by selling him to Cromwell for half that amount.
Reveals the central betrayal of the chapter.
“Sire, perhaps a king should act thus, but not a husband and a father. I have come in the name of your wife and daughter and of the children you have still in London, and I say to you, ‘Live, sire,’—it is the will of Heaven.”
Athos urges the king to prioritize his family over royal pride and to escape for the sake of his wife and children.
Highlights Athos's appeal to the king's personal responsibilities.
“It is the enemy, who have made a sortie from Newcastle and are surrounding us!”
Athos realizes that the enemy forces have left Newcastle and are encircling the camp, making escape impossible.
Climactic moment showing the king's entrapment.
