# Chapter XL explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Waverley visits Fergus MacIvor in Carlisle Castle on the morning of his execution. Fergus, though heavily fettered, remains composed and inquires about the Prince's escape, his clansmen, and Rose. He speaks of the Bodach Glas apparition, receives last rites, and bids farewell to Waverley, refusing to let him witness the execution. Fergus and Evan Dhu are taken by sledge to the place of execution, with Fergus's last words being 'God save King James!' Waverley, devastated, leaves the castle in a stupor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Fergus's unwavering loyalty to the Stuart cause and Evan Dhu's devotion to his chieftain are central, as they face death without renouncing their allegiances.

### Honor and Duty

Fergus meets his fate with dignity, refusing to weep before his enemies, and speaks of his duty to his clan and the Prince.

### Supernatural and Mysticism

Fergus recounts his vision of the Bodach Glas, the family spectre, which he interprets as an omen of his impending death.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Waverley

Visits Fergus in prison, learns of the Prince's escape, promises to protect the MacIvors, and witnesses the final procession before leaving in grief.

### Fergus MacIvor

Awaiting execution, he remains cheerful and composed, discusses his clan, the Bodach Glas prophecy, and Flora, and bids farewell to Waverley.

### Evan Dhu Maccombich

Lies quietly in the prison cell, expresses willingness to die with his chieftain, and accompanies Fergus to the sledge.

### Flora MacIvor

Mentioned by Fergus; she is spared the final parting through a deceit, and Fergus speaks of her loyalty and grief.

### Rose Bradwardine

Mentioned by Fergus as Edward's future wife; Fergus wishes them long happiness.

### Baron of Bradwardine

Mentioned by Fergus as a friend who will help protect the MacIvors.

## Key lines

> I knew the stake which I risked; we played the game boldly and the forfeit shall be paid manfully.

Fergus accepts the consequences of his rebellion with courage, acknowledging the risk he took.

_Fergus's stoic acceptance of his fate._

> These three magic words are the only Open Sesame to their feelings and sympathies, and poor Evan must attend his foster-brother in death, as he has done through his whole life.

Fergus says that only the title 'Vich Ian Vohr' commands the Highlanders' loyalty, and Evan must die with him.

_Fergus explains the bond of clanship and Evan's choice to die with him._

> God save King James!

Fergus's final public declaration of loyalty to the Stuart king as he is taken to execution.

_Fergus's last words, defying the Hanoverian authorities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xl
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters