# XVII: The Eve of Battle explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

The Highland army takes position on the heights overlooking the plain near Preston, facing General Cope's English forces. Both armies form lines of battle, with skirmishes and maneuvers throughout the day. Fergus and Waverley visit the Baron of Bradwardine, who conducts evening prayers. As night falls, the armies rest on their arms, and Waverley struggles with feelings of betrayal and identity. Callum Beg nearly shoots Colonel Gardiner but is stopped by a seer's prophecy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Belonging

Waverley's crisis of conscience as he sees his former regiment and commander, feeling like a traitor to his native England.

### Honor and Duty

Fergus's focus on military duty and the sword, dismissing Waverley's reflective thoughts as 'too late.'

### Supernatural and Mysticism

The seer's prophecy about Colonel Gardiner's winding-sheet, which halts Callum Beg's assassination attempt.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Waverley

Observes the armies forming for battle, feels conflicted about his allegiance, and nearly witnesses the assassination of Colonel Gardiner.

### Fergus MacIvor

Leads his clan in maneuvers, discusses tactics with Waverley, and joins the Baron's evening prayers.

### Baron of Bradwardine

Conducts Episcopal evening service for his troop, expresses confidence in the coming battle, and hints at a private concern.

### Evan Dhu Maccombich

Urges immediate attack, comments on the ground, and makes a wry remark about Christian burial.

### Callum Beg

Aims his fusee at Colonel Gardiner but is stopped by a seer's prophecy.

### Colonel Gardiner

Rides into view to reconnoitre, nearly shot by Callum Beg, but spared by a seer's intervention.

### Mr. Saunders Saunderson

Acts as clerk during the Baron's evening service.

## Key lines

> the sidier roy was tottering like an egg upon a staff, and that they had a' the vantage of the onset, for even a haggis (God bless her!) could charge down hill.

Evan Dhu argues that the English soldiers are unsteady and that the Highlanders have the advantage of charging downhill.

_Evan Dhu urges immediate attack, using a vivid metaphor._

> Now, lads, have at them in the morning with heavy hands and light consciences.

The Baron encourages his men to fight vigorously but without guilt.

_The Baron's closing words after the evening service._

> I can hit him now

Callum Beg says he can shoot Colonel Gardiner from his hiding spot.

_Callum Beg's intent to assassinate the colonel._

> Spare your shot, his hour is not yet come. But let him beware of tomorrow; I see his winding-sheet high upon his breast.

The seer tells Callum not to shoot, as Gardiner's death is fated for the next day.

_Supernatural prophecy that spares Gardiner's life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii-the-eve-of-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters