# Exertion explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Colonel Talbot learns that Waverley has obtained his release from the Chevalier. Waverley recounts his audience with Prince Charles Edward, who grants Talbot a passport to return to England on parole. The two friends part warmly at Leith, with Talbot expressing his disdain for the Highlanders and warning Waverley to shed his Highland dress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Waverley's loyalty to his friend Talbot leads him to petition the Chevalier, while Talbot's parole reflects his honor despite opposing sides.

### Honor and Duty

Both Waverley and the Prince act on principles of honor, granting freedom to a prisoner of war out of personal respect.

### Romanticism vs. Reality

Talbot's pragmatic view of the Highlanders contrasts with Waverley's more romanticized perspective, highlighting the tension between ideal and actual.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Waverley

Obtains Colonel Talbot's release from the Chevalier and arranges his passage to England.

### Colonel Talbot

Receives his passport, gives his parole, and departs from Leith, expressing gratitude and warnings.

### Prince Charles Edward Stuart

Grants Talbot's release personally, showing kindness and political calculation.

### Fergus MacIvor

Passes Talbot and Waverley in the street, exchanging a stern greeting with the Colonel.

### Callum Beg

Mentioned by Talbot as a dangerous young Highlander, nearly causing a fatal incident.

## Key lines

> I will not trust myself with my council; they will argue me out of what is right.

I won't consult my advisors because they would talk me out of doing the right thing.

_Prince Charles Edward explains why he acts unilaterally to grant Talbot's release._

> I come here to war with men, but not to distress or endanger women.

I am here to fight men, not to harm or threaten women.

_The Prince's chivalric justification for releasing Talbot, considering his wife's situation._

> Que diable alloit-il faire dans cette galère?

What the devil was he doing in that galley?

_Talbot's parting question, implying Waverley should not have gotten involved with the Jacobites._

## Links

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