# Chapter XXXIX explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Edward Waverley arrives in Carlisle during the trial of Fergus MacIvor and Evan Dhu Maccombich, who are both convicted of high treason. Fergus delivers a defiant speech, and Evan offers to exchange his life and those of six clansmen for Fergus's freedom. The judge sentences both to death. Edward attempts to visit Fergus but is denied; he then visits Flora MacIvor, who is preparing Fergus's burial garment and gives Edward a diamond chain for Rose Bradwardine before planning to retreat to a convent in Paris.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Evan Dhu's offer to die in place of Fergus exemplifies clan loyalty, while Fergus's defiance underscores his allegiance to the Stuart cause.

### Honor and Duty

Fergus's refusal to plead for mercy and Evan's insistence on honor highlight the characters' adherence to personal and clan codes.

### Romanticism vs. Reality

Edward's idealized memories of Fergus contrast sharply with the grim reality of his imprisonment and impending execution.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Waverley

Arrives at Carlisle, witnesses the trial, attempts to visit Fergus, and visits Flora MacIvor.

### Fergus MacIvor

Convicted of high treason, delivers a defiant speech, and is sentenced to death.

### Evan Dhu Maccombich

Convicted alongside Fergus, offers to sacrifice himself and six clansmen for Fergus's freedom.

### Flora MacIvor

Sewing Fergus's burial garment, gives Edward a diamond chain for Rose, and plans to enter a convent.

### Alick Polwarth

Former servant who reentered Edward's service at Edinburgh and accompanies him to Carlisle.

### Rose Bradwardine

Mentioned as having written to Flora and as Edward's intended; Flora gives her a diamond chain.

## Key lines

> I cannot let this numerous audience suppose that to such an appeal I have no answer to make. But what I have to say you would not bear to hear, for my defence would be your condemnation. Proceed, then, in the name of God, to do what is permitted to you.

Fergus tells the court that he has a defense but it would condemn them, so he urges them to proceed with the sentence.

_Fergus's defiant speech at sentencing._

> I was only ganging to say, my lord, that if your excellent honour and the honourable Court would let Vich Ian Vohr go free just this once, and let him gae back to France, and no to trouble King George's government again, that ony six o' the very best of his clan will be willing to be justified in his stead; and if you'll just let me gae down to Glennaquoich, I'll fetch them up to ye mysell, to head or hang, and you may begin wi' me the very first man.

Evan offers to bring six clansmen to be executed in place of Fergus, volunteering himself first.

_Evan's extraordinary proposal to sacrifice himself and others for his chief._

> Grace me no grace; since you are to shed Vich Ian Vohr's blood, the only favour I would accept from you is to bid them loose my hands and gie me my claymore, and bide you just a minute sitting where you are!

Evan rejects the offer of mercy, asking instead to be given his sword for a final challenge.

_Evan's refusal of the judge's offer of a pardon._

## Links

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