PHILOSOPHY OF THE
WAVEELEY NOVELS
PHILOSOPHY
OF THE
WAYEELEY NOVELS
HON. ALBERT S. G. CANNLNG
AUTHOR OV
'POUTICAL PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY" 'INTOLERANCE AMONG CHRISTIANS'
'RELIGIOUS STRIFE IN BRITISH HISTORY' 'BALDEARO O'DONXELL' ETC.
LONDON
SMITH, ELDER, & CO., L5 WATERLOO PLACK
1879
[All rights reserved] ,
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGR
I. Waverley 1
II. Guy Mannering 21)
III. The Antiquary 42
IV. Rob Roy 52
V. Black Dwarf G7
VI. Old Mortality 7.')
VII, Heart of Midlothian- .... 92
VIII. Bride of Lammermoor . . . Id.T
IX. The Legend of Montrose . . llt^
X. Ivanhoe 125
XI. The Monastery 151
Xll. The Abbot 162
XIII. Kenilworth 182
XIV. The Pirate 2i:>
XV. Fortunes of Nigel .... 242
XVI. QUENTIN DURWARD 2.")^
WS'.'J^Mi
VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGK
XVII. Redgauntlet 280
XVIII. Talisman 296
XIX. Woodstock 309
XX. Fair Maid of Perth . . . . 330
XXL Anne of Geierstein .... 344
XXII. Concluding Remarks . . . . . 352
PHILOSOPHY
WAYEELEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER I.
' WAVEULKY.'
Whex Sir Walter Scott wrote these eelebnitod
'^ novels, the fierce religious and p(.)litical di.^sen-
sions which had so long distracted Great.
Britain and Ireland had comparatively ceased.
The reigning Ixoyal Family were acknowledged
as lawfully supreme by all classes tlirouglioiit
the British Empire. The final defeat of ihc
Scottish Jacobites at Culloden (1740), and the
suppression of the United Irisli llebellion in
1798, had ahke contributed to ensure general
B
1 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
peace, if not contentment, tlironghont the
three Kingdoms.
After the death of Prince Charles Edward
Stuart, no rival claimant to the British Throne
remained, and the only opposition to the
established English monarchy within its ac-
knowledged dominions was from the Eepub-
licans, who, however, except in Ii'eland during
the brief struggle of '98, never ventured to
declare open war against the existing Govern-
ment.
The religious dissensions, also, which had
so long distracted and divided the three king-
doms had in a great measure subsided, at least
in appearance. English Prelatists, Scottish
Presbyterians, and Irish Eoman Cathohcs
voluntarily enlisted under the British flag to
wage war against the French Emperor, Napo-
leon, wlio, though a nominal Eoman Catholic,
and heading a Eoman Catholic nation, was
regarded by the Pope and most of the Eoman
Catholic Governments of Europe as their
dangerous enemy.
WAVERLEY.
It was after the surrender of Napoleon and
tlie restoration to political power of the Pope
and the French King, both of whom were pre-
viously dethroned by Napoleon, tluit the power
of England was at its highest point, not only
in military and naval supremacy, but in tlie
estimation of European Governments ; for they
all knew that England liad chiefly, if not
mainly, occasioned Napoleon's final overthrow,
and, except the vanquished French army, that
extraordinary man had few sympathisers in
defeat.^ For by his wars or intrigues lie luid
alienated nearly all tlie European Monarchies.
He had crushed the French Eepublicans, and
discouraged Eepubhcanism throughout Eu-
rope ; last, though not least, he had dee[)ly
injured and offended the Pope, and, of course,
all tlie Eoman Catholic clergy. He had thus
united against himself nearly all the religious
and political divisions of Euroi)e, and at the
head of this victorious combination was I'ro-
' See Lanfiey's Life of Xaj>u/eon.
b 2
4 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
testant England, assisted by Eoman Catholic
allies and Eoman Catholic soldiery.
Peril aps never before or since was there
such a complete union in action, feeling, and
sentiment throughout Great Britain and Ire-
land, as at the final defeat of Napoleon.^ Thus
a common enemy seemed to unite all opposing
rehgiousandpohtical parties, at least for a time,
though after this event their former animosi-
ties have again occasionally revived. However,
during this period of triumphant peace in
Great Britain, after the battle of Waterloo, Sir
Walter Scott's works appeared at a time wdien
the political and religious dissensions of Great
Britain and Ireland had at least comparatively
yielded to foreign interests, anxieties, and
apprehensions. This period, therefore, was
especially favourable to the reception of his
novels, wdiicli described the former religious
and political wars of his country. The
British people, ahke enlightened and influ-
enced by the state of the Continent, and the
^ Alison's Ilistonj of Europe, vol. i.
WAVERLEY
fearlul perils "vvliicli not onl}^ their religious
and political institutions, but even their na-
tional existence, had narrowly escaped, were
better ])repared than ever before to hear tlie
past conduct of religious and ^Dolitical partisans
described with fairness. For in times of reli-
gious and political warfare, Scott's calm
impartiality would have probably aroused
some indignation among his fellow-country-
men, owing to his consistent fairness and love
of truth, which in a more enlightened peacefid
age caused the most judicious men of all par-
ties to publicly avoAv or secretly own the
accuracy of his views and the justice of his
sentiments. For, although this great writer is
chiefly admired for the amusing and exciting
interest of his works, lie evidently had deep
earnest objects in view, whicli, through the
medium of fiction, he sought to impress upon
the reading public Scott, though so well
acquainted with the worst qualities and mo-
tives which can disgrace humanity, was a man
of high and conscientious character, and his
b PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
evident design was to improve as well as
interest his readers.
Of all Scott's works, his Waverley Novels
are the best known, the most popular, and
most talented, for they certainly display the
great powers of his wonderful mind more than
all his other writings. Of course a man of his
wisdom and varied knowledge would write
sensibly upon any subject he studied, yet those
who have only read his biographical and his-
torical works, and other prose essays, or even
his poems — beautiful as they are — would still
have an inadequate idea of his abihties.^
Perhaps his work on ' Demonology,' and
' Essay on Chivalry ' foreshadow, more than any
of his earlier writings, his pecuhar genius and
turn of mind which are so fully developed in
' Mr. Button observes, in liis Life of Scott (ch. x.) : — 'In
writing history and biogi-apliy Scott has little or no advantage
over very inferior men. Ilis pictures of Dryden, Swift, and
Napoleon are in no way very vivid. It is only when he is
working from the pure imagination, though imagination stirred
by historic study, that he presents a picture which follows us
about as if with living eyes instead of creating for us a mere
series of lines and colours.'
WAVERLEY.
tlie Waverley Novels.^ In ' Waverley ' itself, the
first of tliis admirable series, he succeeded in
making the Scottish Highlanders extremely
attractive and interesting to English readers.
Yet, in former times, and even in the memory
of those then living, they were regarded with
intense aversion, fear, and dislike by the
English, and even by many of their Scottish
fellow-countrymen.
About sixty years before Scott wrote this
famous novel, the Highlanders were more de-
tested than ever throughout England, owing
to their two successive rebellions for the cause
of the Pretender, whose crushinjy defeat at
1 As the Rev. Mr. GilfiUan {Life of Scott, p. 352) says :—
* In the Waverley Novels the poetic element which was in him
so strongly is held quite subordinate to that of the noble
humanity, and the wide reflection of all that swept across his
universal soul. To scholars every page teems with recondite
lore ; to the students of human nature he unbares the deepest
secrets of the heart. Readers of history find his writings
nearly as true, and far more delightful, than the works of
Robertson and Hume. In all countries, too, and in most" ages,
he is at home, as strong among the lilies of France \^Quentin
Duruiard and Anne of Geiersteiri], the sands of Syria [Talis-
man], on the green turf of Sherwood Forest [Ivanhoe], as on
the heather of Caledonia [ Waverley and liub Itoi/].'
PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Cullodeii may be considered the last actual
l)attle fought on British soil.i The abhorrence
with Avliich the Scottish Highlanders were
viewed by the Enghsh was only too well
proved by the unnecessary cruelties inflicted
on them after Culloden by the Duke of Cum-
berland, and without much apparent objection
or remonstrance on the part of the British
pubHc.2 For many years after the Culloden
battle the Highlanders were both viewed and
treated witli harsh injustice by the Enghsh
Government, and apparently with tlie approval
of many of their Scottish fellow-countrymen.^
» 3Ir. Hallam observes of the different feelings with which
the deposed Royal Family were regarded m England and Scot-
land—' It is certain that Jacobitism in England, little more
after the reign of George I. than an empty word, the
vehicle of indefinite dissatisfaction in those who were never
ready to encounter peril or sacrifice advantage for its affected
prmciple, subsisted in Scotland as a vivid emotion of loyalty a
generous promptitude to act and suffer in its cause, and even
when all hope was extinct clung to the recollection of the past
long after the very name was only known by tradition, and
every feehng connected with it had been wholly effaced to the
south of the T^eed.'—Consiitutional Histcn-y, vol. iii.
-^ See Lord Mahon's history of the last Jacobite Rebellion
ot 1745, m which the author dwells forcibly upon this subject.
Lord Macaulay observes {Ilutory of England) that
' WAVER LEY.' 9
When Scott, therefore, composed ' Waverley,'
some fifty or sixty years later, he resolved to
do all in his power to remove British preju-
dices against the Scottish Highlanders, without,
however, arousing any mutinous feeUngs in
the latter against the British Government. His
twofold object clearly was to draw the con-
querors and conquered together ; to appeal to
the best and wisest feelings of their respective
natures by jireventing either party considering
themselves wholly in the right, or wholly in
the wrong.
For a task so equally difficult, wise, and
truly patriotic, few men were so well fitted,
and perhaps none has ever been, through the
peaceful medium of hterature, so eminently
and permanently successful. Many men Avho
pitied tlie Jacobites as much as Scott would
have written with passionate zeal about tlieir
wrongs and sufferinc^s, describing them as in-
the Scottisli Highlanders were regarded by the Lowlanders
much as the North American Indians were by the European
colonists.
10 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY JS'OVELS.
jurecl innocents, and their conquerors as cruel
merciless tyrants.
But Scott's knowledge of human nature
and steady love of truth forbade any such
foolish enthusiasm. He knew and painted
both parties as they really were ; he ' nothing
extenuated nor set down aught in malice.'
Accordingly, he scrupulously describes both
good and evil men in each party, animated by
similar passions, and ahke capable of the same
virtues and vices. Even the national preju-
dices of England and Scotland which, though
apparently of little importance, often actuated
men's minds, Scott notices with a good-hu-
moured ridicule, far more effectual for their
suppression than either anger or bitter sar-
casm.^
The hero Waverley, though amiable and
pleasing, is a less interesting character than
either the Highland chief, Fergus M'lvor, or
* For instance, the brave Engrlish Colonel Talbot, who
detests the Scottish Highlanders, both men and women, is
made to admit ' he could not admire Venus herself if intro-
duced as Miss MacJupiter/ &c. — Oh. lii.
' WAVERLEY.' 11
the English Colonel, Talbot. These two men
well represent the two parties then engaged in
civil war. Fergus, though very interesting in
his Highland home, surrounded by devoted
vassals and clansmen, appears to far more ad-
vantage in adversity than in power. It is evi-
dently Scott's object, while making the de-
feated Highlanders worthy of pity and admira-
tion in their misfortunes, yet to show how
totally unfitted they would have been for poli-
tical supremacy had their rebellion for Prince
Charles Edward succeeded. Thus, while de-
scribing the courage and generosity of M'lvor,
as well as his heroic firmness at execution, he
yet liints with unmistakeable clearness how
dangerous he would have been in political
authority.^ But, as the Highlanders were soon
utterly defeated, Scott does not dwell long
upon this subject, but hastens to describe this
' The reckless fury of M'lvor against Waverley for re-
linquishing all hopes of marrying his sister Flora, after her
decided rejection of him, is thus forcibly described — 'Gladly
would M'lvor have put their quarrel to a pei-sonal arbitre-
ment ; his eye flashed fire, and he measured Waverley as if to
choose where he might plant a mortal wound.' — Ch. Ivii.
12 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOYELS.
chief when in Carhsle prison, awaiting execu-
tion, with his faithful adherent, Evan Dhu, for
tlieir active share in the Jacobite Eebelhon of
1745. While the heroism of these two noble
victims is most affecting, it is only too probable
that, had the fortune of war been reversed, they
would have inflicted the same cruelties upon
the Whig or Hanoverian rebeh which they
themselves suffered at their hands.
At the trial Scott describes their judge with
admirable good sense, not as severe or unfeel-
ing, though compelled to enforce the merciless
laws of the period against those convicted of
high treason, and which had been so rigidly
enforced by the Pretender's own father. He
endeavours to save Evan Dhu, who proudly
rejects his intercession except on the impos-
sible condition of his chief's liberation.^ There
^ 'For you, poor, ignorant man,' the judge said, addressing
Evan, after passing sentence of death on him and his chieftain
— ' For you I feel ao much compassion that if you can make up
your mind to petition for grace I will endeavour to procm-e it
for you.' ' Grace me no grace,' said Evan, * since you are to
shed the chief's blood ; the only favour I would accept from
you is, to bid them loose my bauds, and gie me my claymore,
'WAVERLEY.' 13
can be little doubt from tlie extreme even slav-
ish devotion of this faithful follower, that had
M'lvor enjoyed political power Evan would
have been his obedient, unscrupulous instru-
ment in executing his tyrannical orders with-
out hesitation or remorse.
The character of tlie Highland youth,
Galium Beg, is hkewise described as faithful to
death for his chief, but as willing to commit
crimes as to perform exploits for his sake alone.
He escorts Waverley througli the Lowlands at
his chief's command with devoted fidehty, and
Waverley is delighted with him ; but soon
after, when M'lvor and Waverley quarrel, the
young bravo tries to murder, in the most
cowardly manner, the same man whom lie
would previously have risked his own life to
save ; yet even this young desperado Scott
makes interesting, like most of the Highlanders,
by dwelling upon their heroism in adversity.
and bide yfni just a minute, sitting where you are.' TIu-
humane judge has no alternative but to rejoin — ' Remove the
prisoners ; his blood be on his own head.' — Ch. Ixviii.
14 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and only slightly alluding to their fierce reck-
lessness when in any position of authority.
But these allusions have deep and valuable
meaning. They clearly reveal that, though
the Scottish Highlanders were treated with
great and wanton cruelty, they were utterly
unfit for power ; and had their rebellion for the
Pretender succeeded, and he rewarded such
adherents by giving them any power over com-
paratively civihsed Enghsli subjects (which,
perhaps, would have been inevitable), the con-
sequences would have been fearful indeed.^
Thus, although Scott is often considered rather
favourable to the Jacobites, he certainly in
' Waverley ' makes the Whigs (Colonel Talbot,
Mr. Morton, &c.), wiser men than the impe-
tuous M'lvor or the pedantic Baron of Brad-
wardine, or even the generous but fanciful old
Sir Everard Waverley, who, though very in-
' Scott's description of the Scottish Highlanders rather re-
sembles Macaulay's account of the native Irish — {History of
England, vol. i.) — ' distinguished by qualities which make men
interesting rather than prosperous — an ardent and impetuous
race, easily moved to tears or to laughter, to fury or to love.'
' WAVERLEY.' 15
teresting characters, are all deficient in jndg-
ment and good sense, for which the others are
pre-eminent.
Flora M'lvor, also, who greatly influences
her brother in his political conduct, is described
as an enthusiast, and somewhat dictatorial and
pedantic in prosperity ; but when in the hour
of adversity she receives Waverley at Carhsle,
just before her brother's execution, then, and
not till then, do her superior qualities appear
to their best advantage. She is then a heroine
in the highest sense of the word, and Fergus
himself, in his last moments, so firm and self-
controlled, seems almost a different man from
tlie insolent, unscrupulous character of his
prosperous days. He dies like Shakespeare's
famous rebel in Macbeth ^ — a nobler man than
he ever was before, to all appearance. His
arrogance, pride, ambition, and violence dis-
^ ' Nothing- in his life
Became him like the leaving it ; he died
As one that had been studied in his death,
To throw away the dearest thing he owed
As 'twere a careless trifle.' — Act i.
16 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
appear while the better quahties of his nature
are all displayed, and probably exalted, by
adversity.
In reviewing the novel of 'Waverley' the
characters of the two M'lvor's, brother and
sister, with their devoted follower, Evan Dhu,
are perhaps the most interesting of all ; but it
is only in adversity that they are so. Scott
shows them at first in brief triumph, when it
is evident that in power Fergus and Evan
would have been tyrannical and unscrupulous,
while even Flora fully shares their political
principles, which, though they support her in
adversity, would surely not have rendered her
so admirable or amiable in pohtical triumph.
Colonel Talbot, on the other hand, is dignified,
noble, and perfectly self-controlled in both
situations, and yet he is less interesting and
romantic than the M'lvors. Although o-ene-
rous and sincere, he is perhaps a cooler friend
than M'lvor, though a more steady one, but
he is a more placable enemy. He would evi-
dently have died with the same firmness as
' WAVEKLEY.' 17
M'lvor, though not with his enthusiasm,
while in prosperity and power his judgment
always controls his feelings. When plead-
ing for Waverley's Hfe with his relentless
commander, the Duke of Cumberland, his
behaviour is a striking contrast to that of
M'lvor, when requesting from his leader, the
unfortunate Pretender, the dignity of an Earl-
dom for his services, because Charles Edward
merely hesitates without actually refusing, the
impetuous chief declares to Waverley that he
felt inclined to transfer his services at once
to the devil or to reigning king ; and though
he only says this in great excitement, it yet
shows the reckless vehemence of the man,
who is however in many ways both shrewd
and crafty.
But Talbot, when sternly refused his re-
quest by the Duke of Cumberland, never for
a moment loses calmness, dignity, or self-
respect, but coolly offers to leave the service
if denied the favour which, upon this threat,
he immediately obtains. There can be no
c
18 rHILOSOPIIY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
doubt that Colonel Talbot is the superior man
of the two, both in head and heart ; yet so
admirably has Scott described the M'lvors in
adversity, that they are far more interesting,
chiefly from their misfortunes, than any of the
other characters.
The novel seems, in fact, almost a tragedy,
notwithstanding the hero's happy marriage
with the rather uninteresting Rose Bradwar-
dine, and the release of Colonel Talbot. Thus
Scott accomphshes his noble purpose in this
novel. The defeated and unfortunate obtain
the chief sympathy, without the reader's
mind being the least embittered against
those who politically triumphed, so that by
studying 'Waverley' the reader is made to
admire and pity the Jacobites without be-
coming one of them, to sympathise with the
sufferers without preferring their cause. ^ It
^ Lord Macaulay declares that the Scottish Highlanders
were viewed with great contempt by the English till their
last rebellion in 1745, when, he says : — ' England, thoroughly
alarmed, put forth her whole strength. The Highlanders were
subjugated rapidly, completely, and for ever. During a short
time the English nation, still heated by the recent conflict,
WAVERLEY.' 19
is by this means that Scott himself, writin^r
some sixty years after the Culloden battle,
strove, and most successfully, to heal tliose
bitter animosities occasioned by a rebellion,
or rather a civil war, which, though waged
by Christian men, was certainly disgraced by
the most wanton and unnecessary cruelty.^
Scott says that he was charged with describ-
ing Prince Charles Edward too favourably,
but in his later novel, ' Eedgauntlet,' where
this Prince is again introduced when middle-
breathed nothing but vengeance. The sight of the tartan in-
flamed the populace of London with hatred. The power of
the Highland chiefs was destroyed, the people were disarmed,
the use of the old national garb was interdicted, the old pre-
datory habits were effectually broken, and scarcely had this
change been accomplished when a strange reflux of public
feeling began. Pity succeeded to aversion. The English
nation execrated the cruelties which had been committed on
the Highlanders, and forgot that for those cruelties it was
itself answerable. Those very Londoners who, while the
memory of the march to Derby [described in Waverley] was
still fresh, had thronged to hoot and pelt the rebel prisoners,
now fastened on the Prince [Duke of Cumberland], who had
put down the rebellion, the nickname of Butcher.' — History of
England, vol. iii.
^ Lord Mahon states that 'the cruelties inflicted by the
Duke of Cumberland on the vanquished Highlanders were such
as hardly ever, before or since, disgraced a British army.' —
History of the Rebellion of 1745.
20 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
aged, this statement can hardly be maintained.
It should be remembered that during the
campaign of '45 he was very young, in a most
interesting position, and naturally anxious to
appear to the best possible advantage. It is
also evident that Scott's favourable descrip-
tion by no means exceeds, but rather falls
short of, the account given and recorded of
liim by his partisans at this period of his
hfe.
In describing the Duke of Cumberland,
the ' Culloden butcher,' as he was termed
by his foes, and even in Whig or Eadical
histories of the present day,^ Scott indulges
in no violent invectives ; he says little about
him, but that little is significant, and is
chiefly contained in the account of Colonel
Talbot, his valued officer, when pleading
for Waverley's life. A more relentless, un-
feeling man could hardly be imagined, yet
such severity iU became the near relative and
champion of a king, having no legal title
* CasselVs History of England.
' WAVERLEY.' 21
to the British throne, except that of the nation's
free choice to maintain their Uberties, so reck-
lessly violated by the deposed royal family.^
Both Cromwell and William III., when placed
in somewhat similar positions to these first
Hanoverian princes, generally behaved with
more clemency and moderation after their
wonderful triumplis towards defeated adver-
saries. If the historical student compares
Cromwell's conduct after his decisive victories
of Naseby and Worcester, and that of Wil
liam III. after his complete triumph in both
Great Britain and Ireland, he will perceive
that neither of these two great men sanc-
tioned the same dehberate cruelties as were
inflicted by the Duke of Cumberland upon
helpless foes. Yet both Cromwell and Wil-
liam were always exposed to far more personal
danojer from their defeated enemies, besides
^ See Mr. Hallam's remarks, althoush a thorough anti-
Jacobite, upon the extraordinary severities of George I. and
George II., and their extreme unpopularity in consequence. —
Constitutional History, vol. iii.
2'?
PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVEL?.
being loaded with most vehement personal
abuse.
The triumph of the Duke of Cumberland
over retreating and dispirited Highlanders was
comparatively an easy matter ; for, indeed, the
rash enterprise of Charles Edward had vir-
tually failed before the Culloden battle by the
refusal of the English Tory party to join it.^
There could hardly be a position in which
a merciful policy would have been safer
than that of the ruthless victor of Culloden ;
for the Jacobites were utterly defeated, their
chiefs mostly slain or captured, and Charles
Edward a lonely fugitive. All England and a
great part of Scotland were in favour of the
reigning family, while Ireland may be said to
have taken no part whatever in this civil war.^
To extend mercy to Jacobite prisoners, many
^ Mr. Hallam sarcastically mentions the difference be-
tween Scottish and English Jacobitism in the risings of
1715 end '45 — 'The Highland chieftains gave their blood as
freely as their Southern allies did their wine for the cause of
their ancient kings.' — Constitutional Ilistori/, vol. iii. ch. xvi.
^ See Macaulay's remarks on this subject. — History of
England, vol. i.
WAVERLEY.' 23
of them men of the highest character, whose
names had been illustrious in British history,
■would have been as pohtically safe as honour-
able, and consistent with the first principles of
Christianity.!
But the two first sovereigns of the House
of Hanover, even by the subsequent admis-
sions of their partisans, acted in a spirit worthy
of James H., whose tyranny had been the
original cause of their elevation, when advised
by Judge Jeffries. It is, indeed, a humiliating
reflection that the British nation endured,
without remonstrance, the oppressive severitj^
1 ' A wilder or more hopeless enterprise [than the rising of
'45] never convulsed a great empire. The Highlands, where
alone the Pretender could count upon warm support, con-
tained at this time about one-twelfth of the population of
Scotland. In the Lowlands the balance of opinion was pro-
bably hostile to Jacobitism. In England, as the event showed,
not a single step had been taken to prepare an insurrection.
The Hanoverian army, and the Duke of Cumberland, who
commanded it, displayed in their triumph a barbarity which
recalled the memory of Sedgemoor and of the Bloody Assize
[reign of James II.], while the courage, the loyalty, and the
touching fidelity of the Highlanders to their fallen chief cast a
halo of romantic interest around his cause.' — Lecky's EiujJand
in th& Eightetnth Venturtj, vol. i.
24 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
of two princes, who owed their regal autliority
entirely to its own free choice.
Scott, whose object is always to observe
historic truth, describes one conversation,
founded on fact, to the Duke of Cumberland,
and then leaves the subject.^ He evidently
has no wish to irritate his readers against the
Hanoverian Government, while he arouses
• Colonel Talbot, though devoted to the reigning' family,
writes to Waverley, whose pardon he obtained, the sentiments
of the Duke of Cumberland towards the old Baron of Brad-
wardiue, who had fallen by the fortune of war into his power :
— ' Would you think it, Talbot ? Here have been half-a-
dozen of the most respectable gentlemen and best friends to
Government, who have fairly wrung from me by their down-
right importunity a present protection and the promise of a
future pardon for that stubborn old rebel whom they call Baron
of Bradwardine. They allege that his high personal character,
and the clemency which he showed to such of our people as
fell into the rebel's hands, should weigh in his favour, espe-
cially as the loss of his estate is likely to be a severe enough
punishment. But it is a little hard to be forced in a manner
to pardon such a mortal enemy of the House of Brunswick.'
Let the reader observe that Scott purposely ascribes to Brad-
wardine, and makes the Duke of Cumberland admit, almost
every quality and circumstance which could morally and poli-
tically render the former worthy of the latters mercy. Brad-
wardine is old, has spared the lives of his prisoners, is a man of
high character, and about to lose his estate; yet it is only
the fear of alienating his intercessors that wrings a reluctant
pardon from this implacable prince.
' AVAVERLEY.'
sympathy for the Jacobites, more for their
misfortunes than for their cause, as shown in
tlie able reasoning of Colonel Talbot and Mr.
Morton, with the brave, amiable, but rather
weak hero, Waverley. Thus, though some
who have read this novel considered Scott
rather on the Jacobite side, those who care-
fully study it will surely come to another con-
clusion. The Jacobite M'lvors, Baron of
Bradwardine, Evan Dhu, &c., are all brave
and interesting, worthy in every way of the
clemency if not respect of generous con-
querors, which neither these fictitious charac-
ters nor unhappily their historical prototypes
ever obtained, yet none of these appear fitted
for pohtical power, or even much influence.
Colonel Talbot, the Eev. Mr. Morton, even the
merciful judge, reluctantly compelled to en-
force the cruel laws of the period, are all men
of more judgment, wisdom, and consistent
humanity.
It should be remembered, also, that when
M'lvor so pathetically declares that honour-
26 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
able and loyal blood lias been poured forth like
water, meaning tlie executions of his fellow-pri-
soners, yet that these savage laws against high
treason or rebellion were highly approved and
sanctioned by the Jacobite party themselves, as
proved by the conduct of James II., whose
deposition all true Jacobites deplored and re-
gretted. Thus, when the arrogant and tyranni-
cal, though generous M'lvor, denounces the
execution of his partisans, it is more from party
spirit than pure humanity. It is not the execu-
tion of noble men for their pohtical opinions
that he deplores, but rather that of pohtical
coadjutors and partisans. For there can be
little doubt, had the Pretender's enterprise suc-
ceeded, both Fergus M'lvor, and most of the
Jacobite leaders would have advocated shed-
ding rebel blood as vehemently and probably
as successfully as the loyal Jacobite Judge,
Jeffries, when suppressing the rebelhons of
Monmouth and others against Charles Ed-
ward's grandfather. Thus the chief excuse
for the extraordinary severities of the Duke
WAVERLEY,
of Cumberland, or for the apathy of the
British pubHc in permitting them without
remonstrance, hes in the historical fact that
the cruelties previously sanctioned by the de-
posed Stuart family had sunk so deeply into
the minds of the nsually calm and humane
Enghsh people, that they were led to permit
similar cruelties being inflicted upon the un-
fortunate adherents of a detested cause. Yet,
from the immense popularity of this excellent
novel, and the general sympathy for the op-
pressed Jacobites which it ehcited, it is cer-
tain that Scott, through the quiet medium of
fiction, greatly contributed to soften those
bitter party prejudices which historical recol-
lections had bequeathed, and induced his fel-
low-countrymen to view each other's opinions
and motives with a fairness previously un-
known.
Towards the end of his work Scott em-
phatically exclaims — 'Let us devoutly hope
we shall never see the scenes or hold the sen-
timents that were general in Britain sixty
years since.' — (Ch. Ivii). And he concludes a
28 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
work referring to times then within hving
memory, describing with rare impartiahty the
good and evil among both contending parties,
by eUciting pity for the conquered side with-
out irritating his readers against the conquer-
ing one, and thus accomphshes a task, the
wise and true patriotism of which it woukl be
difficult to over-estimate. For, by arousing
pity for the advocates of a fallen cause, while
confirming adherence to the victorious one,
Scott accomplishes the double object of healing
party animosity by inducing political oppo-
nents to do justice to each other, and of re-
uniting his divided fellow-countrymen by a
mutual recognition of generous and noble
quahties. In this great work of moral recon-
ciliation through the peaceful medium of lite-
rature, no writer, perhaps, has ever been more
signally successful than Sir Walter Scott, even
in his first novel of ' Waverley.'^
• Mr. Thomas Arnold observes : — 'In the historical novel
Sir Walter Scott, the inventor of the style, remains unap-
proached. Out of twenty-seven novels (omitting short tales)
which compose the Waverley series, twenty are historical,' —
Manual of English Literature, p. 487.
' GUY MANNERING.' 29
CHAPTER II.
'GUY MANNERING. '
This deliglitful story, unlike its predecessor,
has nothing to do with rehgious or pohtical
history. Its main interest depends on fictitious
characters and incidents, some of which,
according to Scott's notes and references,
have a shght foundation in fact. Although
there are two heroes and two heroines,
none of them are very interesting or attrac-
tive. Thus Henry Bertram, the chief hero,
placed in a most romantic situation, and both
amiable and intelligent, is by no means a very
remarkable or interesting personage. The
other, Charles Hazlewood, is still less so, and
very seldom mentioned. Julia Mannering,
although clever and sprightly in her letters,
30 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOYELS.
takes little part in the story, while Lucy
Bertram, like her lover Hazlewood, is seldom
introduced.
The chief interest of the book depends on
the sayings and doings of the four original
and remarkable characters, Meg Merrilies the
gipsy, Dominie Sampson the tutor. Dirk
Hatteraick the Dutch smuggler, and Dandie
Dinmont, the Teviotdale farmer. These are
all master-pieces in their different ways, per-
fectly consistent and natural throughout.^
The gipsy, Meg Merrilies, though treated
and viewed with contempt, harshness, and
suspicion, to which her unfortunate, degraded,
and scattered race has always been exposed,
even in Christian lands, conceives and pre-
serves a most extraordinary attachment to the
Bertram family, from whom, indeed, she never
received much benefit, but on whose lands
* ' Scott himself tells us tliat lie took more interest in his
mercenaries and moss-troopers, outlaws, gipsies, and beggars
than he did in the fine ladies and gentlemen under a cloud,
whom he adopted as heroines and heroes.' — Hutton mi Scott,
eh. xi.
GUY MAXXERIXG.
she and some of her tribe were for a time
allowed to Hve in peace. Her intense devotion
to the Bertrams, though natural in an old ser-
vant or tenant, seems almost unhkely in Meg's
situation ; for gipsies have rarely showed,
or indeed been in a position to show, any
feeling of the sort ; but Scott has taken her
character from a certain Jean Gordon, whom
he mentions in notes, but who was placed in
a very different situation from Meg Merrilies.
Scott's object probably was to show in this
woman, though hving among desperate asso-
ciates, and if not a thief herself, certainly the
associate of thieves and vagabonds, despised
and ill-used by everyone, yet a person capable
of the deepest gratitude to any who showed
her the least kindness. Her devotion to the
ruined Bertrams, and her efforts to restore
the young heir to his ancestral rights, cause
her chief misfortunes, sufferings, and death ;
yet she clings to her purpose with indomitable
resolution, and her exertions, aided of course
by others, are successful at last, tliough at
32 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
the cost of her hfe. Her ill-usage even by
the comparatively respectable, who consider
her a dangerous vagrant, and by her own
associates, who suspect her of betraying them,
are alike powerfully described, exciting the
reader's interest in, if not admiration for, Meg
Merrilies to the highest point. Her last Avords
when hearing the cheers of the EUangowan
tenantry greeting the young heir, whose right-
ful restoration had been both the object of
her life and cause of her death, are perhaps
the most affecting and pathetic in th6' whole
of this novel ^
Dominie Abel Sampson, the eccentric,
worthy tutor to young Bertram, though a
most amusing oddity, constantly doing foolish
things, awkward, shy, and often unconscious
1 ' When I was -in life I was the mad, randy gipsy that
had been scourged and banished, that had begged from door to
door, and been branded like a stray tike from parish to parish
— wha wad have minded her tale ? But now I am a dying
woman, and my words will not fall to the gi'ound any more
than the earth will cover my blood.' Then hearing the exult-
ing shouts of the EUangowan tenantry, she utters her last
words : ' Dinna ye hear, dinna ye hear ? lie's owned, he's
owned. I lived but for this.' — Ch. Iv.
' GUY MANNERING.' 33
of all around liim, is yet an excellent and in
some respects even a noble character. His
absurdities and failures, kind heart, deep
gratitude, and utter unselfishness, are not
unhke the great hero of Cervantes, and,
indeed, the expressions of Dr. Johnson about
Don Quixote may be applied, without im-
propriety, to Dominie Sampson also.^ For,
had Dr. Johnson Hved to read and enjoy ' Guy
Mannering,' he would probably have thought
that, in describing the Dominie, Scott had
shown a ' dexterity ' equally ' matchless ' to the
celebrated Spanish writer. In fact, the cha-
racter and conduct of Dominie Sampson are
usually ' ridiculous ' both in words and deeds,
but ' never contemptible ' in either motive or
spirit. • Scott thus describes a man utterly de-
ficient in those quahties of sagacity, prudence,
and common-sense, usually essential to worldly
' 'However Cervantes embarrasses Don Quixote with
absurd distresses, he gives him so much sense and virtue as
may preserve our esteem, wherever he is, or whatever he does;
he is made by matchless dexterity commonly ridiculous, but
never contemptible.' — Lives of the Poets : Life of Butler.
D
34 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
prosperity, and generally so requisite to
obtain the esteem and respect of others.
Sampson is destitute of these quahties, and
yet the wisest man of honour and principle
who ever read a book cannot study this
character without some admiration for it, and
of which he would owii that many infinitely
superior to the poor Dominie in sense and
shrewdness were totally unworthy.
This story abounds with striking scenes and
situations, and is divided into two parts. The
first leaves Mannering a young unmarried man,
and the Laird of Ellangowan with Dominie
Sampson his companion, ahke mourning for
the death of Mrs. Bertram, who leaves an
only daughter, and describes the strange dis-
appearance of the young heir, suspected to
have been stolen by gipsies and smugglers,
who in this part of the Scottish coast were in
\eao:ue to defeat or evade the laws.
The description of the despairing father
and tutor, vainly seeking their lost son and
pupil, is remarkably affecting and natural.
GUY MANNERING.' 35
So far the tale seems like a tragedy, but in
the second part, after a supposed interval of
seventeen" years, great changes have taken
place.
Mannering, now a Colonel and a widower,
with an only daughter, returns to Scotland
from India. He arrives in time to witness
the poor laird's death, and the sale of his
estate, both hastened, if not caused, by the
knavery of a lawyer, named Glossin, whom
he had trusted with the management of his
affairs. This man purchases the EUangowan
property, and the unfortunate laird reproaches
him just before his death with being the chief
cause of his ruin. Mannering generously
gives a home to the desolate orphan, Miss
Bertram, with his own daughter, Juha, who is
in love with a certain Lieutenant Brown,
afterwards proved to be the young heir of
EUangowan. This young man follows the
Mannerings to Scotland from India. He re-
members a httle of his past history, and
fortunately much reserabhng his late father, is
D 2
36 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
soon recognised by Dominie Sampson, who
with Miss Bertram shares Mannering's hos-
pitahty, and also by the old gipsy, Meg
Merrilies. But a far more useful friend
appears in the shrewd, honest lawyer, Pley-
dell, who well remembers the whole story of
the child's disappearance, and has the worst
opinion of Glossin, whose fortune had been
chiefly made by the ruin of his late employer
and patron. Young Bertram, therefore, soon
finds himself well supported by judicious as
well as sincere friends in recovering his
patrimony, which could not have been sold
had his existence been known for certain.
Glossin, however, is apprised by the outlawed
smuggler. Dirk Hatteraick, his former instru-
ment in kidnapping the young heir, of
Bertram's return to Scotland, and these
worthies now consult how to get rid of their
young victim, while the faithful Meg Merri-
lies endeavours to thwart their machinations
by betraying Hatteraick to Bertram and
Dinmont, who arrest him while lurking in a
' GUY MAXXERING.' 37
cave. This scene of Hatteraick's arrest, who,
mortally wounds Meg Merrihes before his
capture, is remarkably dramatic and exciting ;
yet notwithstanding many affecting incidents,
this story is on the whole a very cheerful one.
For the gloomy scenes of Glossin's murder by
Hatteraick in the jail, and the latter's suicide
are immediately after varied by the general
rejoicing at the recovery of the EUangowan
property by the rightful heir, the joy of the
worthy Dominie, Pleydell, and Dinmont, and
the final happiness of all the most amiable
personages in the book.
The two characters of the gallant Colonel
Guy Mannering and the shrewd, honest
lawyer, Pleydell, are ably contrasted with the
bold ruffian, Hatteraick, and the knavish
lawyer, Glossin. Thus when the two last-
named are detected and brought to trial, after
a long course of successful cunning, Man-
nering expresses sympathy for Hatteraick,
and Pleydell for Glossin.^ It is Scott's con-
^ ' Aud yet,' observed Pleydell, after the two villains are
38 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY XOVELS.
stant habit to describe good and bad men of
the same rehgious profession, poUtical prin-
ciples, and worldly position for the sake,
doubtless, of the reflections which their com-
parison naturally suggests to the reader. For
it is evidently his paramount object in all his
writings to diminish, and, if possible, over-
come all feelings of prejudice, except against
sin and vice, whicli he steadily reveals and
exposes in all religious disguises, and in all
ranks and positions of life. Yet in this story
neither Glossin or Hatteraick are totally
devoid of conscience or remorse. Indeed,
few, if any, among Scott's villains are, and in
this respect he is unhke many other great
committed to prison, ' I am sorry for Glossin.' ' Now, I tliink,'
says Manneriug, ' he is the least worthy of pity of the two.
The other is a bold fellow, though hard as a flint.' ' Very
natural,' returns Pleydell, ' that you should be interested in the
ruffian, and I for the knave — that is all professional taste. But
I can tell you Glossin would have been a pretty lawyer had he
not had such a turn for the roguish part of the profession.'
' Scandal would say,' returned Manneriug, * he might not be
the worse lawyer for that.' ' Scandal would tell a lie, then,'
replied the lawyer, ' as she usually does. Law is like lauda-
num — it's much more easy to use it as a quack does, than to
■learn to apply it like a physician.'
' GUY ifANNERIXG.'
delineators of human character. Glossin is
made to wish himself dead, through remorse,
even when successful (ch. xxxiv.), and Hatte-
raick, even after committing two murders, pro-
tests against being described as having ' spent
a life Avithout a single virtue.' He immediately
exclaims, in moral self-defence — ' Virtue ! I
was always faithful to my ship-owners ;
always accounted for cargo to the last stiver,'
Yet these two men are described so naturally,
and their crimes are so detestable, that their
wretched fate ehcits no sympathy. Unlike
some writers, who attempt to make criminals
attractive and interesting as well as wicked
and dangerous, Scott in this respect, like
Shakespeare, describes them as they really
are,^ as the dreadful experience of magistrates
and police detectives confirms, and according
to which, the generality of criminals, without
being positive monsters of iniquity, incapable
of occasional remorse, are usually unworthy
^ See Mr. Dickens's remarks upon this subject in bis pre-
face to Oliver Twist.
40 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOYELS.
of that sympathy, interest, and compassion
which should be alone reserved for the inno-
cent and unfortunate.
Scott gives a curious and graphic descrip-
tion of the sale of EUangowan Castle, in which
his keen observation and dehcate sympathy
for distress and misfortune are strikingly dis-
played.^ The ruin of the Bertram family and
the subsequent recovery of their property are
narrated with amazing skill and power, but
the main interest of this story is centred in a
few remarkable characters, who, though in
subordinate positions to the young heroes and
^ 'There is something melaucholy in such a scene, even
under the most favourable circumstances. The confused state
of the furniture, displaced for the convenience of being easily-
viewed and carried off by the purchasers, is disagreeable to the
eye. Those articles vphich, properly and decently arranged,
look creditable and handsome, have then a paltry and wretched
appearance ; and the apartments, stripped of all that render
them commodious and comfortable, have an aspect of ruin and
dilapidation. It is disgusting also to see the scenes of domestic
society and seclusion thrown open to the gaze of the curious
and vulgar, to hear their coarse speculations and brutal jests
upon the fashions and furniture to which they are unaccus-
tomed, a frolicsome humour, much cherished by the whisky
■which in Scotland is always put in circulation on such occa-
sions.' — Ch. xiii.
' GUY MAXNEKIXG.' 41
heroines, yet claim and engross the reader's
attention from first to hxst, and are certainly
some of the happiest efforts of Sir Walter's
genius. These may be considered as almost
pure inventions, for though he says that
Dominie Sampson and Meg Merrilies were to
a slight extent drawn from Hfe, yet so httle
was evidently known, even to Scott, of their
prototypes, that their characters and language,
like their course of action in the novel, are
chiefly due to the consistency and vigour of
his imagination.
42 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER ni.
'THE ANTIQUARY.'
This work, as Mr. Shaw observes,^ is an ad-
mirable novel of familiar Scottish life. It is
remarked by another admirer of Scott's,''^ that
though it has not the historic character of
' Waverley,' or the varied charm of ' Guy Man-
nering,' yet in some scenes and characters it
surpasses both its predecessors. It certainly
is one of the most cheerful, sensible, and pleas-
ing of his novels, though not so exciting or
deeply interesting as many of them. It must be
owned, however, that the hero and heroine —
Lovel and Miss Wardour — the last especially,
are rather uninteresting, yet neither are fail-
^ Student's English Literatiire.
2 Rev. Mr. Giifillan's Life of Scott.
'THE AXTIQUARY
iires. There is nothing inconsistent or unna-
tural in their conduct ; but Scott apparently
cares httle about them himself. They are
seldom introduced, and take a very secondary
part in the story. The main interest hes in
]\Ir. Oldbuck, the shrewd and worthy antiquary,
the old bedesman, Edie Ochiltree, the melan-
choly Lord Glenallan, the penitent old crone
Elspeth, the German swindler Dousterswivel,
and his pettish dupe. Sir Arthur Wardour.
This last character, though weak, silly, and
irritable, is wonderfully natural from first to
last. The sympathy which his misfortunes ex-
cite, and the pleasure the reader feels at his
relief, are remarkable proofs of Scott's genius,
considering poor Sir Arthur's foolish conduct
and character.
Edie Ochiltree is certainly one of the most
interesting characters in this story, and the
scene which, above all, first captivates and en-
grosses the reader, is the grand description of
the sea storm (ch. vii.), from the effects of which
Sir Arthur, Miss Wardour, and himself have
44 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
such a narrow escape.^ But though this is
the most exciting scene in the book, the most
amusing are the comic disappointment of Old-
buck in his antiquarian fancies, and, above all,
the long conversation in Fairport Post-office
between the roguish postmistress and her two
gossiping friends.^
' ' It was, indeed, a dreadful eveuiug. The howling of the
storm, mingled with the shrieks of the sea-fowl, sounded like
the dirge of the three devoted beings who, pent between two
of the most magnificent yet most dreadful objects of nature— a
raging tide and an insurmountable precipice — toiled along their
painful and dangerous path, often lashed by the spray of some
giant biUow, which threw itself higher on the beach than those
which had preceded it. They struggled forward, however ;
but when they arrived at the point from which they ought to
have seen the crag, it was no longer visible — the signal of
safety was lost among a thousand white breakers, which, dash-
ing upon the point of the promontory, rose in prodigious sheets
of snowy foam as high as the mast of a first-rate man-of-war,
against the dark brow of the precipice.' — Oh. ix.
^ In describing poor Mr. Oldbuck's chagrin at being told by
Edie Ochiltree that a supposed Roman camp, or Praetorium,
was a very modern construction indeed, buUt within old Edie's
recollection, Scott thus playfully appeals to the reader, which
he rarely does : — ' Gentle reader, if thou hast ever beheld the
visage of a damsel of sixteen, whose romance of true love has
been blown up by an untimely discovery, or of a child of ten
years, whose castle of cards has been blown down by a mali-
cious companion, I can safely aver to you that Jonathan Old-
buck, of Monkbarns, looked neither more wise nor less discon-
certed.'
THE ANTIQUARY.' 45
The interest of the curious scene where
Lovel and Edie Ochiltree overhear Sir Arthur
Wardour and Dousterswivel, when hunting for
hidden treasure amid the ruins of St. Euth
monastery, is rather marred by the provoking
success of the swindler in duping his unlucky
patron. The distress of the Mucklebackits at
their son's death, and the remorseful confes-
sions of old Elspeth to Lord Glenallan, succeed
each other in a remarkable manner. For, as
a rule, tlie changes in fiction are from cheer-
fulness to melancholy alternately, but in this
instance the reader is still sorrowing for poor
drowned Steenie and his afflicted parents, when
his interest is swiftly but completely transferred
to old Elspeth's revelation of her plot with Lady
Glenallan to prevent the marriage of her son.
Lord Geraldin. This transition is effected with
great skill, and these two scenes, with the
death of Elspeth, form almost the only gloomy
ones in this otherwise cheerful novel. For,
though poor Sir Arthur Wardour's troubles
witli his creditors occur at the end of the book,
46 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
tliey are rather amusing than sad, at least
when the happy result is known.
The trials of her father might have made
the heroine, Miss Wardour, somewhat interest-
ing ; but Scott apparently feels httle interest
in her himself; so no wonder his readers can-
not, for she is, in fact, perhaps the most unat-
tractive of all his heroines, while the hero,
Lovel, though his situation is eminently inter-
esting, is one of the least attractive of his
heroes. Even the Highlander, Hector M'Intyre,
Olbuck's nephew, though hot-tempered and
passionate, is almost equally interesting to the
reader, and apparently to the author also ; but
Jonathan Oldbuck, the antiquary, is himself
the real hero of this story. Although caustic
and censorious to all about him, often sarcastic,
but never ill-natured, his kindness and gene-
rosity on all occasions of real distress remind
the reader of Dr. Samuel Johnson, whom,
indeed, in many respects he somewhat resem-
bles, and of whom it was said ' he had nothing
of the bear about him but his skin.' It is
THE AXTIQUARY, 47
remarkable, however, that though Scott was
himself an antiquary,^ he rather ridicules Mr.
Oldbuck's taste for antiquities, by making him
generally deceived by his own eager imagina-
tion, or by the cunning of others, despite his
usual prudence and shrewdness.^ He hves a
quiet, retired life, with his sister and niece,
both very different from him in tastes, yet a
strong mutual affection exists between the
three. Oldbuck had once loved a Miss Neville,
who rejected him and privately married the
Earl of Glenallan, whose mother, dishking the
proposed marriage, and not knowing it had
actually taken place, made a false statement
^ Lockhart's Life of Scott.
^ For instance, chapter iv. refers to the supposed Roman
Praetorium, about whicli Oldbuck is so cruelly enlightened by
old Edie Ochiltree, while chapter xvi. describes Mr. Oldbuck
tempted by the town clerk of Fairport to allow a watercourse
through his lands by promising him some carved monumental
stones in return for the concession : — ' They parted mutually
satisfied, but the wily clerk had the most reason to exult, since
the whole proposal of an exchange between the monuments
(which the council [of Fairport] had determined to remove as
a nuisance, because they encroached three feet upon the public
road), and the privilege of conveying the water to the burgh
through the estate of Monkbarus, was an idea which had
originated with himself upon the pressure of the moment.'
48 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
that Miss Neville was too nearly related to
him to authorise their union by any Christian
church. Miss Neville, who nearly lost her
senses at this revelation, soon after died, appa-
rently by suicide, though this is not very
clearly explained, leaving an only child, a son
who was taken abroad by a foreign nurse^
without the father's knowledge. lie is after-
wards brought up, or at least supported, by an
uncle, who, however, does not tell him his
whole history, under the name of Lovel. He
falls in love with Miss Wardour, whom he
meets in England, and follows her to Scotland,
little knowing that the Wardours are near
neighbours to his own lawful patrimony of
Glenallan Castle. His father. Lord Glenallan,
depressed and melancholy ever since his wife's
death, has hved for many years alone with his
guilty mother in this solitary castle. The
stern Countess dies without making any posi-
tive confession of the odious falsehood by
which she had ruined the happiness of her
son's life, though she uttered occasional hints
THE ANTIQUARY.' 49
to her son, tending to throw some doubt on
the story she had herself invented ; but slie
had a guilty though faithful confederate in
her old servant, Elspeth, who on hearing of
her mistress's death reveals the whole trans-
action to Lord Glenallan, and he immediately
exerts himself to find his lost son and heir,
whom he had hitherto beheved had perished
in infancy. Soon after Lady Glenallan's death,
and the subsequent confession of her servant,
Elspeth, Lovel, who finds a warm friend in
Mr. Oldbuck, whose antiquarian tastes he
shares, is introduced by him to Lord Glenallan,
and both are greatly struck by Lovel's strong
likeness to his unfortunate mother, for whose
love they had been rivals. Lovel knows
enough of his past history to confirm the belief
and hope of Lord Glenallan that he is his
long-lost son ; and, after this change in Lovel's
position, it certainly seems that Miss War-
dour's coldness to him also changes with great
rapidity, and their marriage is announced,
though not described.
50 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
This pleasant story ends well and happily
for all its chief characters, and is, in the whole,
the most amusing and cheerful of all the
Waverley Novels ; its incidents and interest
are all of a domestic character ; the scene is
laid entirely in a retired part of Scotland,
during a time of profound peace. Perhaps on
this account, therefore, this book, as Scott
admits in the preface, was not so popular at
first as its two predecessors, but it soon became
equally if not more so with many readers, than
either of them. This cool reception was doubt-
less owing to its not containing any very ex-
citing scenes or incidents which at first might
produce disappointment, though a more care-
ful examination entirely removed this feeling.
For the work abounds with admirable pictures
of Scottish fife and character, as well as wise
and valuable reflections.^ Although there are
^ Among ttese may he noticed the reply to Miss Wardour's
inquiries, when visiting a ruined monastery with a party of
friends, why so little was known to posterity about the former
inmates of the ancient edifice, when many legends of free-
booters and robbers were carefidly preserved by tradition
among the Scottish peasantry. The sensible answer to this
' TPIE ANTIQUARY.' 51
a few scenes of distress and sorrow most
pathetically described in the middle of the
story, it yet ends so happily and satisfactorily
that the reader cannot fail to be cheered and
gratified as well as interested by its delightful
perusal.
question Scott assigns to Lovel, and it doubtless conveys his
own opinion : — ' The eras by which the vulgar compute time
have always reference to some period of fear and tribulation,
and they date by a tempest, an earthquake, or burst of civil
commotion. "When such are the facts most alive in the
memory of the common people, we cannot wonder that the
ferocious warrior is remembered, and the peaceful abbots are
abandoned to forp:etfulness and oblivion.' — Ch. xvii.
E 2
52 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVEL?.
CHAPTER IV.
'ROB EOY.'
This story, like ' Waverley,' is laid chiefly in the
Scottish Highlands, with an English hero and
Scottish heroine. It hkewise introduces the
political history of the time. The ruling Whigs
and insurgent Jacobites re-appear, but the
period is some forty years previous to that of
' Waverley.' It is the first Jacobite rising of
1715 against George I. which is here described,
though not at such length or with such inter-
esting details as the subsequent rising of 1745
in ' Waverley.'
In all Scott's novels this is the only one
where the hero relates the story througliout,
and most successfully ; for, though not free
from conceit and obstinacy, Frank Osbal-
'ROB ROY.' 53
(listone is an interesting, generous, and very-
natural character, possessing more firmness
than Waverley, and more sense and spirit than
ascribed to either Henry Bertram or Loveh
He positively refuses to obey his rather harsh
father in entering his banking-house, and is
therefore sent in a sort of disgrace to his
uncle, Sir Hildebrand, on the Scottish border,
whose youngest son, Rashleigh, takes his place
in the London bank. The displeasure of
Frank's father, and vexation of his faithful
head clerk, Mr. Owen, at this change are for-
cibly described. But this separation between
the imperious father and obstinate son has a
good effect on both. Frank fully gratifies his
love of adventure by his romantic visit to the
Scottish Highlands, while his father, who is
shamefully deceived and robbed by his nephew,
Rashleigh, is considerably softened towards his
son, who never disobeyed him save in refusing
to enter his profession, and they become com-
pletely reconciled. The heroine, Diana Ver-
non, has been thought rather wild and
54 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
masculine by some readers, but at the close of
tlie story this impression of her character is
lessened, while her sense and courage under
great trials make her one of the most interest-
ing, as well as one of the most original of
Scott's heroines.
The Highland Chief Eob Eoy, in some
respects resembles Fergus M'lvor, daring and
impetuous, yet plotting and crafty. Few peo-
ple would wish to be his near neighbour, yet
he is made very interesting ; even his fierce
wife, Helen M'Gregor, and his Highland fol-
lowers, though little better than freebooters,
are yet rendered attractive and romantic ; for,
in the defeat of the English troops by these
Highlanders, even the English reader's sym-
pathies almost incline to the latter. Yet, as in
' Waverley,' the English officer. Captain Thorn-
ton, who much resembles Colonel Talbot, is
not only brave and honourable, but civilised
and enlightened, compared to Eob Eoy and
his adherents.^ Scott thus again accomplishes
^ After the capture of Captain Thornton, the Highlanders
ROB ROY.' 55
his favourite object of making Scottish High-
landers interesting and attractive to Enghsh
readers, while doing ample justice to the cha-
racteristic honour and generosity of the Eng-
hsh character. It would almost appear from
these half-Enghsh half-Scottish novels that
Scott on the whole preferred the Enghsh even
to his own fellow-countrymen, although often
credited with a strong partiality for Scotch-
men ; for he usually makes his heroes and
heroines either English or closely resembling
them, and devoid of any other national cha-
racteristic.
The character of Bailie Jarvie is one of the
most amusing and original in this novel. So
threaten to murder him and his fellow-prisoners if Rob Roy,
previously captured, is not released. Thornton, who hears
their savage threats, nobly addresses Frank Osbaldistone, who,
himself a prisoner, is sent by the Highlanders to negotiate with
the English troops for Rob's release — ' Present my compliments
— Captain Thornton's, of the Royals, compliments — to the
commanding officer, and tell him to do his duty and secure his
prisoner, and not waste a thought upon me. If I have been
fool enough to have been led into an ambuscade by these artful
savages, I am wise enough to know how to die for it without
disgracing the service. I am only sorry for my poor fellows,'
he added, ' that have fallen into such butcherly hands.'
56 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
popular has this eminently Scottish charac-
ter become, that he is often represented in
London theatres by the chief actor in the com-
pany in the dramatic version of ' Eob Eoy.'
He immediately detects his knavish country-
man, Andrew Fairservice, who successfully
imposes upon the English hero, Frank Osbal-
distone, and even upon his shrewd father.
The worthy Baihe is a steady friend to Frank
tliroughout, but he takes httle active part in
the story. The hunting family of Osbaldistone,
cousins of the hero, are admirably described
in their country home.
The kind but reckless old Sir Hildebrand,
and his five sporting sons, all hke each other,
3'et with distinctive peculiarities, are clearly
though rapidly sketched ; but the sixth son,
the villain of the story, Eashleigh Osbaldis-
tone, with his powers of dissimulation, pleas-
ing manners, yet repulsive look and malignant
temper, rather reminds the reader of King
Richard III., as described by Shakespeare.
Frank Osbaldistone once mentions this resem-
ROB ROY.' 57
blance as occurring to himself, but does not
recur to it.
Altliough this story is rather less poUtical
than 'Waverley,' yet the fate of the cliief
characters is finally determined by the Jaco-
bite rebellion of 1715. Rob Eoy M'Gregor
and liis clan, though sympathising with the
Pretender, James III., are chiefly influenced
by the Argyll family, who steadily adhered to
the existing Government. They, therefore,
abstain from open insurrection and conse-
quently escape the penalties of high treason, so
sternly inflicted on many of the Scottish High-
landers, who being chiefly Eoman Cathohcs,
naturally esj)oused the cause of a Eoyal
Family, who had been deposed partly at least
for that reason. Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone
and his six sons eagerly enter the Jacobite
ranks, but the youngest, Rashleigh, probably
foreseeing the hopelessness of that cause, soon
turns traitor, and is therefore disinherited by
his father, whose property, however, being
confiscated for treason, Eashleigh, ujion the
68 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
deaths of Sir Hildebrand and liis brothers,
chiefly in prison or in battle, claims by right
of inheritance. This claim is opposed by the
hero, Frank Osbaldistone, whom his uncle had
made heir, in the event of his five sons dying
vs^ithout issue.
The severity of the Enghsh Government
against Sir Hildebrand and other Jacobite pri-
soners is related by Frank Osbaldistone, who,
doubtless, expresses Scott's own opinion and
feelinf^s in a most affectino; manner.' It is diffi-
' 'It was in vain that I endeavoured, by such acts of kind-
ness as their situation admitted, to conciliate the confidence of
some distant relatives among the [Jacobite] prisoners in New-
gate. The arm of the law, also, was gradually abridging the
number of those whom I endeavoured to serve, and the breasts
of the survivors became gradually more contracted towards all
whom they conceived to be concerned with the existing Govern-
ment. As they were led gradually and by detachments to
execution, those who survived lost interest in mankind and the
desire of communicating with them. I shall long remember
what one of them, Ned Shaftou by name, replied to my anxious
inquiry, whether there was any indulgence I could procure
him — " Mr. Frank Osbaldistone, I must suppose you mean me
kindly, and, therefore, I thank you. But, by G — d, men can-
not be fattened like poultry, when they see their neighbours
carried oti day by day to the place of execution, and know that
their own necks are to be twisted round in their turn.'" —
Ch. XXX vii.
'EOB ROY.' 59
cult to explain and impossible to justify such
relentless cruelty of a victorious Government,
wliicli claimed to advocate the principles of
liberty, and was, indeed, established by revo-
lution against the tyranny of the Stuart
family, whose conduct it now seemed inclined
to imitate rather than avoid against helpless
prisoners.^ The most reasonable explanation
seems to be that fear was the real cause of
such dehberate cruelty being inflicted by the
British Government without apparently shock-
ing the public opinion of an enlightened and
civihsed country. This feeling was certainly
founded on historical recollection ; it was the
apprehension of pohtical severities on a yet
more extensive scale being inflicted by the de-
posed family upon their triumphant restora-
' * The measures of the Government were marked with
great energy, promptitude, and severity. A reward of 100,000^.
was offered for the apprehension of the Pretender alive or dead.
Of the Jacobite prisoners great numbers were brought to trial.
Two peers and thirty-four commoners were executed. Lord
Nithsdale and Winton, who were reserved for the same fate,
succeeded in escaping.' — Lecky's Eiujland in the Eighteenth
Century, vol. i.
60 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
tion, and, when animated by vindictive feelings
against the nation united to that spirit of obsti-
nate tyranny which seemed inherent in the
Stuart kings.
As usually the case in all pohtical and
religious dissensions, the excesses of the one
party occasioned similar crimes in the other.
For probably the recollection of James II. 's
reign, and of the Bloody Assize under the cruel
Judge Jeffries, whose dreadful atrocities were
approved, or at least not condemned, by that
King and his Government,^ now effectually
hardened the usually generous English people
against showing mercy towards those endea-
vouring to restore a Eoyal Family whose
name was associated with relentless oppression.
Although Frank Osbaldistone is a zealous sup-
porter of George I., he yet censures and de-
plores the stern cruelty of that King and his
Government towards the Jacobite prisoners.
This disapproval was doubtless felt by many ;
but, unfortunately, political power was in
^ See Macaulay's History of James II,
'ROB ROY.' 61
the hands of very different men from the
amiable and sensible Frank Osbaldistone, who
probably expresses Scott's own sentiments
throughout.
The general effect of this stirring and most
original story is, like ' Waverley,' to make
Scottish Highlanders and Jacobites highly in-
teresting to English readers of opposite feelings
and views, without in any way arousing hos-
tihty either to the English people or the
reigning Eoyal Family ; for, while Scottish
Jacobites would doubtless enjoy this book
greatly, as favourably describing their ances-
tors and partisans, they could never be the
least prejudiced by it against their English
conquerors. On the contrary, the members of
each party, Hanoverian and Jacobite, if not
altogether bhnded by prejudice, cannot fail
to tliink better of each other's motives and
principles by its careful perusal ; and there
is little doubt that both this book and
' Waverley ' had a greater effect than perliaps
ever fiction exercised before or since in miti-
62 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
gating as well as enlightening public opinion
in Great Britain respecting the two Jacobite
rebelhons of 1715 and '45. There are, indeed,
few men who, with Scott's warm heart and
brilHant imagination, could always preserve
that calm, steady love of truth for its own sake,
which, when allied with his wonderful genius,
and alike devoted to the public service, made
him perhaps one of the most useful writers
that ever Uved. For how easily could such a
writer have made any rehgious or pohtical
party unjustly attractive and interesting at the
expense of opponents ! How easily he could
have described the Highland Jacobites as
faultless heroes, and their successful foes as
all equally cruel, or vice versd ! But any such
injustice, founded on party spirit, Scott always
avoided, and with pecuhar care.^ Although
he dehghted to describe men's actions and pas-
sions in the excitement of the bitterest and
keenest rehgious and political dissensions, and
^ See Sir Archibald Alison's remarks on this subject. —
History of Europe, vol. i.
ROB ROY.
during times when, according to history, the
best and wisest men have acted unfairly,
Scott's calm good sense never leaves him. As
if ever aware of the great moral responsibility
attached to his wonderful talents by his Crea-
tor, he steadily devotes them in all historical
reflections to stating the unbiassed truth for
the moral benefit of those who trust him.
In this story, therefore, while we cannot
help rejoicing at Eob Eoy's daring escape
from his captors, and are throughout most
interested in that brave chief and his faithful
followers, we admire still more the noble con-
duct of Frank Osbaldistone, and also of the
Enghsh Captain, Thornton. The dangerous
traitor, Eashleigh, is alone made the object
of our thorough aversion, being himself the
incarnation of baseness, whatever political
principles he may profess. At the end of the
story Frank Osbaldistone connives, as most
humane men would have done, at the escape
of the condemned Jacobite, Sir Frederick
Vernon, from the vengeance of the Govern-
64 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
ment, to which he is himself so loyal ; yet,
perhaps, he could hardly have done so in
reality without incurring legal penalties at
such a period.
The book, though it ends well and happily
for hero and heroine, is saddened by the mis-
fortunes of many of its characters, as well as
by sundry dark ghmpses of the real state of
Scotland at this time, which is, indeed, well
expressed in the words of worthy Justice
Inglewood himself, a Jacobite in heart, though
too old and prudent to incur personal danger
— ' I say it is a gracious and a just Government,
and if it has hanged half of the rebels, poor
things, all will acknowledge they would not
have been touched had they stayed peaceably
at home.' These words are sadly expressive
of the historic reality, and the chief consolation
the reader can lay to heart for the extraordi-
nary severity of the English Government, is
the reasonable behef, judging from the past,
that had their Jacobite victims triumphed they
would have been even more merciless than
ROB ROY.' 65
their successful foes. This behef is surely
warranted by the teaching of history. For it
has been stated on good authority that tlie
cruelties of the deposed Stuarts, even during
the single reign of James II., the Pretender's
father, had exceeded both in atrocity and in
the number of victims all the severities inflicted
on Jacobites after both rebellions of 1715 and
1745.^ This is evident from the accounts pub-
lished and verified of all that suffered for high
treason in Great Britain during the respective
reigns of James II. and of the first two
Georges. In fact, the abhorrence and terror
with which James 11., the worst enemy to his
family's interests, had inspired the British
nation, alone explains both the severity of the
Hanoverian Government, and the apathy of
the Enghsh people in permitting it without
remonstrance. Thus, in comparing the last
Stuart king to the first two Georges, while
punishing political offenders with their respec-
^ See Macaulay's History of England.
P
66 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
tive satellites, Judge Jeffries and the Duke of
Cumberland, a civilised English Christian will
be almost inchned to exclaim, in the words of
Shakespeare — ' Not to be worst stands in some
rank of praise.'^
^ King Lear,
BLACK DWARF.' 67
CHAPTER V.
'BLACK DWARF.'
It is remarkable that two men of such genial
and social natures as Shakespeare and "Walter
Scott should yet havewritten upon misanthropy
with indulgence, and made the victims of that
dangerous mental malady interesting at least,
if not attractive. It is true that neither Shake-
speare's Timon nor Scott's Dwarf, Elshender,
are pure inventions. Both are to some extent
founded on real characters, the first on an
Athenian, of whom httle is recorded in Grecian
history, and the second on a certain Scottish
dwarf named Eitchie, described in the preface
to the novel. Yet both Greek and Scotchman
of reality were probably less interesting cha-
racters than those of the poem and novel. Of
F 2
68 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
the Athenian, so little is known that an opinion
should hardly be hazarded.^ But it is evident
that Ritchie, as described by Scott, was far in-
ferior, both in sense and generosity, to the
creature of his imagination.
Although there may be some resemblance
between the Timon of Shakespeare and the
Elshender of Scott, the latter is of far ' softer
mould,' and, despite his passionate abuse of
the whole human race, he retains not only
most benevolent feelings, but finally rescues
the heroine. Miss Yere, from a hated marriage.
Like Timon, when calhng his steward. Flavins,
at last ' a singly honest man,' Elshender alone
trusts his confidential agent, Ratclifie, througli-
out ; and this man seems almost the only Hnk
between the recluse and the outer world.
The scene of this story is laid in Scotland,
close to the Enghsh border ; the plot is slight,
^ He is mentioned in Plutarch's Life of Alcihiades as
' famed for his misanthropy,' and as urging Alcihiades to
destroy Athens, and ruin his fellow-countrymen in much the
same language, and from similar motives as those ascribed to
him by Shakespeare.
'BLACK DWARF.' 69
and the whole story very short. The charac-
ter of Mr. Vere, Laird of Ellislaw, seems hardly
natural. He connives at his daughter being
carried off by the robber, Westburnflat, in-
tending her to marry a certain Sir Frederick
Langley, whom she had previously rejected.
Vere's whole conduct appears not only mean
and selfish, but vacillating and inconsistent.
He was formerly the successful rival of the
Dwarf, Sir Edward Mauley, who recognises in
Miss Vere a strong Hkeness to her late mother,
whom he had once loved, and by whom he
was rejected.
The heroine is rather an interesting, though
not very original character ; the hero, Earns-
clifTe, though spirited and sensible, is seldom
introduced ; the young farmer, Hobbie Elhott,
and the moss-trooper, Westburnflat, are drawn
with great care, the last especially. The period
is Queen Anne's reign, and a half-formed
Jacobite conspiracy is faintly described, which
never comes to maturity. The villains of this
book, however, are chiefly on the Jacobite
70 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLBY NOVELS.
side, viz., Miss Vere's treacherous father, and
the odious Sir Frederick Langley, from whom
Miss Vere has so narrow an escape.
But the chief interest of this pleasing and
characteristic httle story hes in the mis-shapen
figure and noble nature of the Black Dwarf,
Elshender, alias Sir Edward Mauley, who,
though looking and speaking like an evil
spirit, is in fact the good genius of the book.
Like Shakespeare's Richard IIL, he often
pathetically deplores his own deformity, but
though he tries to harden his heart against his
fellow-creatures, he cannot do so with the same
success as the Richard both of Shakespeare
and reahty.^ Shakespeare's Timon of Athens
* See Hume's account, and also Gairdner's recent History
of Richard III. The soliloquies with which Scott and Shake-
speare inspire their two characters have a certain resemhlance,
though their respective conduct is so different. Richard ex-
claims, Act I.: —
' I that am curtailed of this fair proportion.
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature,
Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time
Into this breathing world, scarce half made up,
And that so lamely and uufashionably,
That dogs bark at me as I halt by them.
Why, I, in this weak, piping time of peace,
* BLACK DWARF.' 71
and Scott's Black Dwarf alike seek in their
state of misanthropy a delusive relief in utter
solitude — the first completely hardened against
all men, save one, by the ingratitude he has
experienced ; the latter by rejected love, to-
gether with the disgust and ridicule which his
bodily deformity generally inspires. Yet both
these men at one time possessed kind hearts
and generous feelings. But Eichard III.'s
misanthropy, though fiercer and sterner with
increasing age and ambition, has apparently
always been the same. He has no idea of
seeking rehef in seclusion ; the idea is hateful
to him ; on the contrary, action, excitement,
even danger are welcome to one who devotes
Have no delight to pass away the time,
Unless to spy my shadow in the sun
And descant on mine own deformity :
And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover,
To entertain these fair, well spoken days,
I am determined to prove a villain,' &c.
Scott's melancholy dwarf reveals somewhat similar feelings to
this fierce king : — ' What have my screech-owl voice, my
hideous form, and my mis-shapen features to do with the fairer
workmanship of nature ? And why should I interest myself
in a race which accounts me a prodigy and an outcast, and has
treated me as such ? ' — Ch. vi.
72 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
all his bodily and mental energies to the grati-
fication of ambition and revenge.
Scott's Elshender, even during fits of despair
and rage, never utterly forgets rehgion and
his God.^ Shakespeare, it is true, once, but
only once, makes Eichard III. appeal to Jesus
in bewildered terror, when waking from h'is
last dream, but — neither before or after — to
address his God.'^ The Pagan Timon, in his
last sad address to his only faithful servant,
certainly appeals to his deities, but only as
witnesses to his emotion, and, though with
some fear and admiration of their superior
powers, yet without expressing either devotion
or gratitude.^ But the last words of the Black
' Thus he exclaims (ch.vii.) — ' All [mankind] are of a piece
— one mass of wickedness, selfishness, and ingratitude — wretches
who sin even in their devotions, and of such hardness of heart
that they do not, without hypocrisy, even thank the Deity him-
self for his warm sun and pui-e air.'
^ ' Have mercy, Jesu — Soft !
I did but dream.
O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me ! ' — Act v.
' ' Forgive my general and exceptional rashness.
You perpetual sober gods !
I do proclaim One honest man — mistake me not — but one.
No more, I pray.' — Act iv.
BLACK DWARF.
Dwarf to ^liss Vere beautifully express his
mind, which is noble and generous, though
hopelessly saddened by his disappointed life,
preying upon a naturally proud and sensitive
spirit.
It must be remarked, however, that all
through this story the sentiments and actions
of the Black Dwarf are quite at variance. He
storms and rages at human nature generally,
while he strives to benefit, and even morally
improve, all whom he knows. Even the reck-
less robber, Westburnflat, he tries to wean
from his crimes,^ while to Miss Vere and the
Elliotts he is both a friend and benefactor.
That a man retaining so many human sympa-
thies should voluntarily lead a life of utter
^ ' So,' said the Dwarf, ' rapine and murder again on horse-
back.' ' On horseback ? ' said the bandit. ' Ay, ay, Elshie ;
your leech-craft has set me on the bouny bay again.' ' And all
those promises of amendment which you made during illness
forgotten ? ' continued Elshender. ' All clear away with the
water-saps and panada,' replied the unabashed convalescent.
' Ye ken, Elshie, for they say ye are well acquaint with the
gentleman —
When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be ;
When the devil was well, the devil a monk was he.' — Ch. vi.
74 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
seclusion, when not bound by any religious
vow, seems scarcely probable, though such a
judge of human nature as Scott would not
have so described him unless he knew of simi-
lar instances either within his own experience
or that of others, on whose statements he
could rely.
OLD MORTALITY. 7o
CHAPTER YL.
' OLD MORTALITY.'
This work is ably described as ' one of the
vastest, completest, and most vivid pictures of
an historical epoch that Scott has produced.'^
The scene is laid entirely in Scotland during
the reigns of Charles II. and Wilham m., the
intervening and troubled reign of James II.
being purposely passed over (between chapters
xxxvi. and xxxvii.).
This story describes the rebelhon of the
Scottish Covenanters ; and the two heroes,
Henry Morton and Lord Evandale, are not
only rival suitors for Miss Edith Bellenden, but
are opposed also in this civil war or rebellion.
Each, however, endeavours, as doubtless Scott
^ Shaw's Enylish Literature.
76 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
himself would have done, to calm the violence
of their respective partisans. Each saves the
other's hfe alternately from the fury of their
separate factions, and are alike severely blamed
for doing so by their respective leaders,
Claverhouse and Balfour of Burley. These
two last characters are historical, but though
the first is better known to posterity, it is
difficult, owing to the prejudices of historians,
to decide what he really was. In ' Old Mor-
tahty ' he is described as almost the hero of
the book ; yet on careful examination, despite
his bravery, courteousness, and occasional
generosity, Scott's respect for historic truth
compels him to describe his cruelty and in-
tolerance towards rehgious and political oppo-
nents. He and Balfour are contrasted by
Morton as being fit specimens of the fiercer
spirits in their respective parties.
At this period the strife in Scotland was
between Enghsh and Scottish EpiscopaHans,
allied with Highland Roman Cathohcs, against
Scottish Presbyterians, divided between some
OLD MORTALITY.
who were loyal to the restored British mo-
narchy, though they rejected Episcopacy; and
others who declared Charles II. had forfeited
claim to their allegiance by violating the
solemn league and covenant which he had
certainly agreed to when young and in their
power. This strange enactment, however, de-
nied even toleration to either Eoman Cathohcs
or Prelatists ; and that Charles ever meant to
adhere to it, if he could avoid it, may well be
doubted. However this may have been, when
he found himself on the British throne, he
not only refused to enforce this odious agree-
ment, but, guided by unscrupulous advisers,
he, though considered a good-natured prince,
sanctioned a cruel persecution against the
Scottish Presbyterians, and endeavoured to
establish Episcopacy among them by means
which made that system more detested than
ever.^ Scott mentions tlie dehberate murder
^ ' The Presbyterian Church, of course, fell by the Act
which annulled the Parliament wherein it had been established.
Episcopacy revived. The new Prelates were odious as apos-
tates, anil soon gained a still more indelible title to popular
78 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of Archbishop Sharp by the insurgent Cove-
nanters ; with the ferocity of Balfour on one
side and of Claverhouse and Lauderdale on
the other, his chief aim in this admirable, in-
structive work being to show clearly the prac-
tical resemblance between the good and bad
of the contending parties. He accordingly
makes his rival heroes, Morton and Lord
Evandale, ahke utter just sentiments and per-
form acts of mercy which it is to be feared
were seldom either heard or known at this
period of Scottish history. The beginning of
the story describes the ill-usage and revolt of
the unfortunate Covenanters, their cruel suf-
hatred as persecutors. Then began the preaching in Conven-
ticles, and the secession of the excited and exasperated multi-
tude from the churches, and then ensued the ecclesiastical com-
mission, with its inquisitorial vigilance, its fines and corporal
penalties, and the free quarters of the soldiery. Then came
the fruitless insurrection, and the fanatical assurance of success,
and the certain discomfiture by a disciplined force, and the
consternation of defeat, and the unbounded cruelties of the
conqueror. And this went on with perpetual aggravation, at
Tery rare intervals, through the reign of Charles II. No part,
I believe, of modern history for so long a period can be com-
pared for the wickedness of Government to the Scots' adminis-
tration of this reign.' — Hallam's Constitutional History, vol. iii.
'OLD MORTALITY.' 79
ferings, and no less cruel and dangerous fana-
ticism.
Morton first incurs suspicion of treason by-
concealing and relieving his late father's
friend, Balfour, directly after his murder of
Archbishop Sharp. Morton shelters him for
a night in his uncle Milnwood's house, who
knows nothing about it. Milnwood himself is
a mean old miser, who, with a faithful house-
keeper, Mrs. Alison Wilson, keep house to-
gether, and Morton lives with them. After
Balfour's flight, Morton is arrested by Sergeant
Bothwell, despite the terrified entreaties of old
Milnwood and Mrs. Wilson. This whole scene
is most natural, and probably just what would
have occurred under the circumstances. Ser-
geant Bothwell is a strange character, brave,
dissipated, reckless, yet not ungenerous ; he
only appears in the beginning of the story, as
he is soon killed in a fearful encounter with the
rebel Balfour. The contrast between these two
fierce warriors is forcibly expressed in their last
words of defiance during their fatal struggle.
80 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
The remarkable character of the fanatical
young preacher, Macbriar, though apparently
Scott's invention, is probably founded on some
original. His ardent yet simple enthusiasm is
unlike that of his associate, Balfour, who, be-
sides being subject to fits of insanity, is at
other times shrewd and even crafty.^ In fact,
Balfour rather resembles the regicide, General
Harrison, as described by Burnet and Claren-
don, and of whom Scott himself draws a slight
sketch in 'Woodstock.' But Ephraim Macbriar
is a masterpiece in his way of perverted en-
thusiasm and fanaticism, which make him,
* Balfour, first in sleep, and at the end of the story in a fit
of insanity, reveals his share in the murder of Archbishop
Sharp, which was historically true. On the first occasion he
thus alludes both to the apostacy and murder of his victim : —
' Thou art taken, Judas, thou art taken. Cling not to my knees.
Hew him down — a priest. Ay, a priest of Baal — to be bound
and slain, even at the brook Kishon.' — Ch. vi. Again, in his
cavern of refuge, Balfour, with Bible in one hand and sword in
the other, thus defies the tempter of evil, who he really be-
lieves is there, reminding him of the Archbishop's murder and
other crimes : — ' Come in all thy terrors. Come with mine
own evil deeds, which render thee most teri'ible of all. There
is enough betwixt the boards of this book to rescue me. What
mutterest thou of grey hairs ? It was well done to slay him.
The more ripe the corn, the readier for the sickle.'
OLD MORTALITY.' 81
though naturally a mild, gentle character, the
most relentless of persecutors, and most heroic
of martyrs. Probably such a character has
not been uncommon among various religious
persuasions during the fearful religious wars
of Christian Europe. Scott describes him as
eager and anxious to slay his brave associate,
Morton, whom he distrusts ever since he
dared to advocate tolerant views (ch. xxi.)
after his own impassioned address to the in-
surgents, who with Morton were driven to
rebeUion by the cruelty of Charles II. 's Go-
vernment. In ch. xxiii., after the final defeat
of the insurgents, Morton, who had bravely
commanded them, falls into the power of this
dangerous enthusiast, who, with some fanatical
comrades, takes refuge accidentally in the
same house. Macbriar and his friends now
imagine, because Morton's rehgious opinions
are not sufficiently intolerant, that he has be-
trayed their common cause, despite his heroic
exertions for it, and are about to murder him
forthwith, when he is rescued from them by
G
82 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
their victorious enemy, Claverliouse, from
whom Morton had before so narrowly escaped
with his hfe, through the generous interces-
sion of Lord Evandale.^
The terrible scene before the Scottish Privy
Council in Edinburgh soon follows, where
Morton receives a conditional pardon, while
the unfortunate Macbriar, after suffering
torture, is publicly executed, and dies with
1 The youug fanatic, Macbriar, after accusing Morton of
saving some prisoners, which he proudly admits, thus pro-
ceeds : — ' You have acknovsrledged enough of sin and of carnal
defection to draw down defeat on a host, were it as numerous
as the sands on the seashore. And it is our judgment that we
are not free to let you pass from us safe and in life, since Pro-
vidence has given you into our hands at the moment that we
prayed with godly Joshua, saying, " What shall we say when
Israel turned their backs before their enemies ? " Then earnest
thou, delivered to us as it were by lot, that thou mightest sus-
tain the punishment of one that hath wrought folly in Israel.
Therefore mark my words. This is the Sabbath, and our hand
shall not be upon thee to spill thy blood upon this day, but
when the twelfth hour shall strike it is a token that thy tim«
on earth hath run.' Then upon the captive Morton muttering
an extract from the book of Common Prayer of the English
Episcopal Church, Macbriar's bigoted fury becomes uncontrol-
lable. ' There lacked but this to root out my carnal reluctance
to see his blood spilt. Let him go down to Tophet with the
ill-mumbled mass which he calls a prayer-book in his right
fi^nd.' — Ch. xxxiii.
'OLD MORTALITY.' 83
heroic firmness.^ Wlien Macbriar is con-
demned to death, after bravely enduring tor-
ture for refusing to reveal the refuge of his
murderous associate, Balfour, even Morton,
who had so narrowly escaped from him, can-
not help expressing admiration for his firmness
and gallantry, to which Claverhouse sarcasti-
cally replies with truth — ' You mean his reso-
lution to put you to death.'
It is right at this part of the story to
recall the scene where Macbriar so nearly
murders the innocent Henry Morton, to pre-
vent feehng more sympathy for such a dan-
gerous yet heroic enthusiast than he deserves.
Scott, however, in this, as in most other
instances, displays his usual sound judgment.
He describes Macbriar's cruel fanaticism in
power, and devoted heroism in adversity, with
a fairness which convinces the reader of the
^ As Mr. Hallam indignantly observes — ' The Scottish
Privy Council was accustomed to extort confessions by torture,
that grim divau of [Episcopalian] bishops, lawyers, and peers,
sucking in the groans of each undaunted enthusiast, in hope
that some imperfect avowal might lead to the sacrifice of other
victims.' — Constitutional Histot-y, vol. iii.
g9
84 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
general truth of statements evidently founded
upon the records of impartial history ; ^ yet,
mindful of his readers' amusement as well as
instruction, Scott gives a comic side to this
story also ; while the brave and the fanatical
of both contending parties are done justice to,
the absurd loyalty of old Lady Margaret Bel-
lenden, and of the drunken Harrison and
Gudyill, and the equally absurd treason of old
Mause Headrigg and the Eev, Gabriel Kettle-
drummle, &c., are also fully described. The
latter's sermon to the victorious rebels after
the Drumclog battle is, perhaps, one of the
most admirably effective rebukes to rehgious
bigotry to be found in fiction, though Scott
writes it in perfect good humour, making
every allowance for the preacher's well-mean-
ing inconsistency.^
^ An able writer in the Contemporary Revie^o (Oct. 1873)
observes : — ' Scott's picture of the Scottish Covenanters has
been censured for irreverence, quite unjustly in our opinion,
and we regard his picture of the torture and death of one of
them [Macbriar] as his finest contribution to the history of his
country.'
^ ' Some parts of the Rev. Mr. Kettledrummle's discourse
' OLD MORTALITY.' 85
The character of the bUnd widow, Mackire,
though seldom introduced, is a beautiful and
affecting picture. Her strong religious pre-
judices do not prevent her reheving her ene-
mies ; even the cruel execution of her son,
which she describes with such exquisite pathos,
cannot harden a heart or embitter a spirit so
eminently Christian in the highest sense of tlie
word.^
Old Mause Headrigg is an amusing con-
trast ; for, while sharing Widow Maclure's
might be called sublime, and others sunk below burlesque.
Occasionally he vindicated, with great animation, the right of
every man to worship God according to his conscience, and
presently he charged the guilt and misery of the [Scottish]
people on the awful negligence of their rulers, who had not
only failed to establish Presbytery as the national religion, but
had tolerated sectaries of various descriptions — Papists, Prela-
tists, Erastians, assuming the name of Presbyterians, Indepen-
dents, Socinians, and Quakers, all of whom Kettledrummle
proposed by one sweeping Act to expel from the land, and thus
re-edify in its integrity the beauty of the sanctuary.' — Ch.xviii.
^ The Widow Maclure tells Morton how she was blamed
by the zealots of her party for not betraying Lord Evandale.
' They said I should hae been to him what Jael was to Sisera ;
they said I wanted natural aftection to relieve one that be-
longed to the band that murdered my two sons. But, alas I
betraying Lord Evandale's young blood to his enemies' sword
wud ne'er hae brought my Niniau and Johnie alive again.'
86 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
religious opinions, her absurd fanaticism and
misapplication of Biblical passages are most
amusingly described. Her son, an honest,
brave, shrewd fellow, though no theologian, is
a far better Christian than either his enthu-
siastic old mother, or the violent preachers
whom she constantly entreats him to follow
and obey. These and many other admirably
drawn fictitious characters are evidently intro-
duced to animate and enUven a story founded
on historic truth, and describing a pecuharly
painful period of Scottish history ; for Scott,
as was said of another great writer, was well
aware that 'history, to be truly useful and
serious, must look at the society which it
depicts.'^
But the chief interest of this book, espe-
cially at its close, is in the two opposing
characters, Claverhouse and Balfour. Morton
himself compares these ruthless leaders toge-
ther, teUing Claverhouse openly that he and
Balfour have alike shed blood without pity or
^ M. Guizot's Preface to Gibbon's Roman History.
OLD MORTALITY.
remorse. This Claverhouse calmly admits,
but in the true spirit of a relentless partisan
haughtily compares the valuable lives of his
party to the worthless ones of religious and
political opponents. Morton, in rejoinder,
utters doubtless Scott's own sentiments, that
God gives every spark of life, and that those
who destroy His work recklessly or carelessly
must answer in either case. — (Ch. xxvii.) At
lirst Claverhouse appears as a brave, severe,
yet not ungenerous officer, zealously executing
the orders of his Government, and eager to
avenge the cruel murders of his kinsman and
friend. Cornet Grahame and Archbishop Sharp,
by the insurgent Covenanters. His fierce loy-
alty makes him, together with General Dalzell
and Lord Lauderdale, blame their nominal
superior, the Duke of Monmouth, for wishing
to treat the defeated Covenanters with some
degree of humanity.
Four eminent British writers of this cen-
tury have described Claverhouse very differ-
ently. Hallam and Lord Macaulay condemn
88 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
him utterly, while Scott and Professor Aytoim,
without denying his cruelties, to some ex-
tent palHate them by describing the fearful
injuries he and his family had received from
the Covenanters, many of whom unfortunately
fell into his power afterwards. But no one
can deny his courage and enterprise, and these
high qualities were especially displayed at the
close of his career. When Morton returns
from banishment he finds WilUam III. on the
British throne, and James II. a deposed exile.
This great change gratifies and relieves (even
according to such different writers as Hallam,
Macaulay, and Scott) the moderate and reason-
able of the contending parties in Scotland ; ^
while the more violent of the Jacobites and
Covenanters, who before Morton left Scotland
were wilhng to exterminate each other, now
attempt an extraordinary alhance against the
1 AVhile the Tory novelist, Scott, admits (ch. xxxvii.) that,
'owing to King William's prudent tolerance, Scotland had
escaped the horrors of a protracted civil war,' the Liberal his-
torian, Mr. Hallam, declares (^Constitutional History, vol. iii.)
— ' King William was perhaps almost the onlj consistent friend
to toleration in his kingdoms, at least among public men.'
OLD MORTALITY.' 89
new Government, each hoping to deceive and
outwit the other in case of success. For this
object the two mortal foes, Claverliouse and
Balfour, meet together in peace, and propose
a united rising. But few Presbyterians, even
of the Covenanters, are induced to join their
ruthless exterminator, and follow the example
of the half-mad enthusiast Balfour.
But over many brave impetuous High-
landers Claverliouse, created Lord Dundee by
James II., acquired supreme command, and he
was killed in the moment of victory over King
William's forces at Killiecrankie. This victory,
however, when purchased at the price of Dun-
dee's hfe, proved as fatal to his cause as the
most crushing defeat.^ No leader took or
^ Scott makes Claverliouse express to Morton wliat were
probably bis real feelings. 'When 1 think of death, Mr.
Morton, as a thing worth thinking of, it is in the hope of press-
ing one day some well-fought and hard-won field of battle, and
dying with the shout of victory in my ear, that would be worth
dying for ; and more, it would be worth having lived for.' At
this moment one of the dying Covenanters, shot by his order,
thus foretells his fate and that of the Stuart family, to whom
he is devoted : — ' And shall not the Lord judge thee ? Behold
the princes, for whom thou hast sold thy soul to the Destroyer,
90 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
could take his place, though Lord Evandale in
the novel wishes to do so, and soon after all
Scotland submits to the new Government.
Although Scott is often said to favour the
Jacobites, he cordially praises William III.
throughout this story. For the hero, Morton,
who probably represents Scott's feehngs and
sentiments, returns to Scotland to find a new
Government almost after his own heart, by
which no party was allowed to persecute the
other, and which certainly had the real
honour and credit of numbering among its
foes the implacable and intolerant of all
parties.^
sbgill be removed from their place and banished to other lands,
aiid their names shall be a desolation, and an astonishment,
and a hissing, and a curse. And thou who hast partaken of
the wine cup of fury, and hast been drunken and mad because
thereof, the wish of thy heart shall be granted to thy loss, and
the hope of thy own pride shall destroy thee.' — Oh. xxxiv.
^ 'The Scottish non-jurors made it one of their charges
against William III. that he had sinfully suffered James II. to
escape instead of bringing his head to the block. For nearly
a generation the Scotch ministers habitually denounced the
toleration of Episcopalianism, and other Protestant sects, with
a vehemence quite as unqualified as that with which they had
previously denounced the persecution directed against them-
'OLD MORTALITY.' 91
Nearly all the pleasing characters of this
story, except poor Lord Evandale, end much as
the reader would wish, and the chief impres-
sion derived from it is certainly to view the
Revolution which substituted William III. for
James II. as beneficial to Scotland in every
respect.
selves; and when the Associate Presbytery seceded from the
Establishment they announced in their testimony that the in-
stitution of religious toleration was among' the foremost causes
of God's wrath against sinful and backsliding Scotland,' —
Lecky's Evgland in the Eighteenth Century, vol. ii.
92 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY XOYELS.
CHAPTEE VII.
' HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN.'
This simple yet powerfully written story is,
like ' The Antiquary,' one of Scottish domestic
life ; the scene being chiefly in Scotland,
though a few chapters refer to the South of
England. It is not, however, entirely a work
of fiction, the heroine, Jeanie Deans, having
had her original in a certain Helen Walker ;
yet, though there is some resemblance be-
tween them, but little seems known of Helen,
except that she actually obtained her innocent
sister's pardon for alleged child murder from
Queen Carohne, wife of George H., having
walked from Scotland to London for that
purpose. Her sister, Isabel Walker, is slightly
mentioned in the notes, but nothing is said of
' IIEAKT OF MIDLOTHIAN.' 93
her bearing any resemblance to the EfFie
Deans of the novel. All the other charac-
ters, except the noble Duke of Argyll and
the cruel Captain Porteous, are imaginary,
though described in Scott's most effective
manner.
Of all Scott's heroines, Jeanie Deans is
apparently his favourite, as he himself calls
her so, which he never does in any other
instance. She is, indeed, an admirable and
superior character ; her courageous piety,
simphcity, good sense, and deep affection
combine to make her such ; for her whole
conduct towards all she knows — father, sister,
lover, friends, and enemies — comes as near
the ideal standard of Christian duty as human
nature is perhaps capable of Her old Pres-
byterian father, David Deans, seems rather a
greater favourite with Scott than he deserves,
for, though a conscientious, worthy man, he
is self-righteous and obstinate to a provoking
degree. Only those few who share his own
theological views, which are certainly not de-
94 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
rived from education, possess liis confidence or
good opinion.^ In real life old Deans would
probably be extremely disagreeable, but Scott,
who doubtless knew many rather hke him,
places him in such an affecting and interesting
position, that the better part of his nature
appears, while his ignorant bigotry is amusing
instead of dangerous, owing, perhaps, to his
powerless situation.^ The book opens with
^ When old Deans is urged by a neighbour to employ a
skilful lawyer to defend bis accused daughter, Effie, he objects
to one after another as follows : — ' What say ye to the old
Lau'd of Ouftabout ? He whiles thumps the dust out of a case
gey and weel.' ' He ! the fause loon,' answered Deans, ' he
was in his bandaliers to hae joined the ungracious Highlanders
in 1716.' ' Weel, Arniston ? there's a clever chield for ye.'
* Ay, to bring Popish medals in till their very library from that
schismatic woman in the north, the Duchess of Gordon.'
' What d'ye think of Kettleput ? ' ' He's an Arminian.'
' Woodsetter ? ' * He's, I doubt, a Oocceian.' ' Auld Whillie-
whaw ? ' * He's anything ye like.' * Young Noemmo ? ' ' He's
iiaething at a'.' ' What say ye to young MacKenzie ? ' ' T\Tiat,
sir ; wad ye speak to me about a man that has the blood of the
saints [Presbyterians] at his fingers' ends ? If the life o' the
dear bairn that's under a suffering dispensation, and Jeanie's,
mv ain, and a' mankind's depended on my asking sic a slave o'
Satan to speak a word for me or them, they should a' gae down
the water thegither for David Deans.' — Oh. xii.
2 Old David's ' Lecture on Dancing,' addressed to his two
daughters, is amusing in the highest degree. * Dance, dance,
said ye ! I daur ye, limmers that ye are, to name sic a word at
* HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN.' 95
the Edinburgh riot and execution of Captain
Porteous by the mob : an liistorical event
which is described in a most interesting and
graphic manner. Scott makes George Staun-
ton, Effie Deans' lover, lead the rioters, but
escape the consequences. He is the only son
of a worthy Enghsh clergyman, a wild, dissi-
pated, handsome youth, though possessing
many generous qualities. He has an illegiti-
mate child by his nurse's daughter, Madge,
whose mother, Meg Murdockson, destroys it
to conceal her daughter's shame. After the
murder poor Madge becomes insane, and she,
with her wicked mother, become the associates
of the highway robbers, Frank Levitt and
Tyburn Tom. Young Staunton, after desert-
my door-cheek ! It's a dissolute, profane pastime, practised by
the Israelites only at theii' base and brutal worship of the
golden calf at Bethel, and by the unhappy lass wha danced aff
the head o' John the Baptist, upon which chapter I will exer-
cise this night for your further instruction since ye need it sae
niuckle, nothing doubting that she has cause to rue the day,
lang or this time, that e'er she suld hae shook a limb on sic an
errand. Better far to hae been born a cripple, and carried frae
door to door, like auld Bessie Bowie, begging bawbees, than to
be a king's daughter, fiddling and flinging the gate she did,' &c.
— Ch. X.
96 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
ing Madge, seduces EfRe Deans, by whom he
has a son, who is stolen directly after its birth
by the vindictive hag, Meg Murdockson, in
revenge for her own daughter's desertion ; and
general suspicion is then directed against the
unfortunate Effie of having either murdered
or secretly made away with her stolen child.
The chief interest of the story is centred
in the extraordinary trial of Effie Deans for
supposed child-murder, her strange conviction,
without any proof of guilt (also a fact), and
her heroic sister's dangerous journey to Lon-
don, where, through the influence of the Duke
of Argyll, she sees Queen Carohne, and ob-
tains Effie's pardon for a crime of which she
is innocent. The scene between the Duke of
Argyll and Jeanie must be partly true, though
evidently no details of his real interview with
Helen Walker have been preserved. The
admiration of Scott for the Duke of Argyll
and his family, rather contradicts the idea
that he favours Jacobitism. He even says
(ch. XXXV.) that the Duke, the chief Scottish
' HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN.' 97
nobleman who opposed that party, did all he
could during the rebellion of 1715 'to soften
its consequences ' to those whom ' a mistaken
sense of loyalty had engaged in that affair.'
The hero, Reuben Butler, a quiet sensible
country schoolmaster, seems hardly worthy of
Jeanie Deans. He is, of course, a thorough
invention of Scott's, as the real Jeanie (Helen
Walker) never married.
One strikingly sad episode in this interest-
ing story must painfully affect all readers of
sense and feehng — the wanton murder of the
harmless maniac, Madge Wildfire, by the
brutal mob at Carhsle. These wretches think
the poor mad woman is a witcli, and tlierefore
try to drown her ; and though she is rescued
from them at the time, she dies from the
effects of their brutality. This sad case, it
is to be feared, is no invention, thougli tin-
character of Madge Wildfire may be so ; foi-
it is a fact that absurd and intense horror
of supposed witchcraft long influenced some
H
08 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of the English, and many of the Scottish
peasantry.^
It is remarkable that the Irish peasantry,
though guilty to such a fearful extent of
agrarian crimes, when under a sense of real
or supposed wrong, have been comparatively
free from this brutal prejudice against sus-
pected witchcraft, which appears to be
founded entirely on vague, superstitious fears.
One of the most exciting scenes in this
novel is the strange interview between Jeanie
and George Staunton, her sister's lover, at
Muschats Cairn, where he threatens her hfe if
she refuses to swear a falsehood to save her
accused sister. It is here that Jeanie first
displays that high courage which, united with
strong common sense and warm affections,
makes her so superior and interesting a cha-
racter. In a previous interview with Eeuben
^ ' The last execution for witchcraft in the British Empire
took place in Presbyterian Scotland, The associated Presby-
tery in 1736 left a solemn protest against the repeal of the laws
against witchcraft.' — Lecky's England in the Eighteenth Century,
vol. ii.
' HEART OF MIDLOTIUAN.' 99
Butler, young Staunton, who, though reckless
and dissipated, retains some noble qualities,
is described in a very singular manner, for
the popular superstition of a fiend assum-
ing an attractive human form, evidently
strikes Scott's fancy, as he again mentions it
in ' Nigel,' in the case of the villainous Lord
Dalgarno, who, however, has much more of
the fiend about him than young Staunton.^
It is remarked by Sir Archibald AHson in his
^ Staunton vehemently tells Butler, who does not know
him, that he himself is the devil, an admission which effectu-
ally confounds the young schoolmaster. ' Was this, indeed, the
roaring lion, who goeth about seeking whom" he may devour?'
This was a question which pressed itself on Butler's mind with
an earnestness that cannot be conceived by those who live in
the present day. The fiery eye, the abrupt demeanour, the
occasionally harsh, yet studiously subdued tone of voice — the
features handsome, but now clouded with pride, now disturbed
with suspicion, now inflamed with passion — those dark hazed
eyes which he sometimes shaded with his cap as if he were
averse to have them seen, while they were occupied with keenly
observing the motions and bearing of others — those eyes that
were now turbid with melancholy, now gleaming with scoru,
and now sparkling with fury —was it the passions of a mere
mortal they expressed, or the emotions of a liend who seeks,
and seeks in vain, to conceal his fiendish designs under the bor-
rowed mask of manly beauty? The whole partook of the
mien, language and port of the ruined Archangel, — Oh. xi.
100 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
brief notice of Scott's works ^ that he cared
httle for the pathetic ; but when he does write
in that strain, few if any writers can surel}'
equal him in beauty of expression or intensity
and purity of thought. For one of the most
moving scenes in this excellent novel is when
Jeanie, after her sister's condemnation, deter-
mines to go to London to plead for her hfe at
a moment when her aged father, broken down
and stupefied by distress of mind, gives no
assistance, and she is left entirely to tlie
guidance of her own firm, resolute spirit.'"'
' Ilisfo?-!/ of Europe^ vol. i.
* ' Jeanie had reached the door of the apartment, -when sud-
denly tinning she came back and knelt down by her father's bed-
side. " O father, <rie me yer blessing. T dare not go till ye bless
me. Say but ' God bless ye and prosper ye, Jeanie ;' try but to say
that word.'" Instinctively rather than by an exertion of intellect,
the old man murmured a prayer that " purchased and promised
blessings might be multiplied upon her." " He has blessed mine
eiTand," said his daughter rising from her knees, " and it is
borne in upon my mind that I shall prosper." '• — (Oh. xxv.) A
short time before Jeanie's firmness of spirit is pathetically
described during her sister's trial, when her father falls sense-
less in the Court. ' The unfortunate prisoner with impotent
passion strove with the guards between whom she was placed.
" Let me gang to my father. I icill gang to him ; he is dead,
he is killed ; I hae killed him," she repeated in frenzied tones
of grief, which those who heard them did not speedily forget.
' HEAKT OF MIDLOTHIAN.' 101
The character of EfRe Deans is evidently
Scott's invention, as he gives no particuhirs of
lier prototype, Isabella Walker, but the little
that is known or said of Helen in the preface
closely resembles the Jeanie of the novel ; the
same courage and prudence are shown even
in the few recorded details. Scott states that
when Helen was asked by any one about her
London journey, ' she aye turned the conver-
sation,' which quite accords with the remark-
able modesty and good sense of Jeanie
herself.
Towards the end of the story it is not easy
to recognise in the cold, Hstless, afiected Lady
Staunton the timid and passionate Effie of
younger days ; and, indeed, this change is
hardly natural, if possible, and is, perhaps,
the most unsatisfactory part of the book.
Even in this moment of agony and general confusion Jeanie
did not lose that superiority which a deep and firm mind
assures to its possessor under the most trying circumstances.
" He's my father, he's our father/' she mildly repeated to those
who in vain attempted to separate them, as she stooped, shaded
aside his grey hairs, and began assiduously to chafe his temples.'
— Ch. xxiii.
102 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY XOVELS.
The sketch of the kind and sagacious
Queen CaroHne is, doubtless, founded on
Scott's accurate knowledge of history, and is
amply confirmed by recent historians.
Although Scott, in the true spirit of a
novelist, makes Jeanie marry the man of her
choice, and have a flourishing family, he states
that the real Jeanie, poor Helen Walker, died
unmarried, in obscure poverty, upon whicli
circumstance he makes this beautiful and cha-
racteristic reflection : — ' That a character so
distinguished for her undaunted love of virtue
lived and died in povert}'', if not want, serves
only to show us how insignificant in the sight
of Heaven are our principal objects of ambi-
tion upon earth.' — (Preface to ' Heart of Mid-
lothian'.)
BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.' lOo
CHAPTER Vni.
'BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.'
This beautiful tragedy, in its chief incidents,
is founded on fact, as avowed in the preface.
Yet so Httle is known of the individual
characters of the story that Scott may almost
claim the merit of conceiving as well as
describing them.
Edgar Ravenswood is one of the most in-
teresting of Scott's heroes, while Lucy Ashton
is certainly one of his most attractive and
pleasing heroines. While the leading inci-
dents of this tale are founded on real events
occurring in the Scottish families of Lord
Rutherford (the original of Ravens wood) and
Lord Stair (Sir William Ashton), the enmity
between the Ravenswood and Asliton families,
104 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and the love of their descendants for each
other, much resemble in feeling and senti-
ment Shakespeare's affecting tragedy of ' Eo-
meo and Juhet.' This pathetic story was
evidently often in Scott's mind when writing
this novel, as many chapters are headed with
quotations from it. Yet though Lucy Asliton
and her stern mother to some extent resemble
Lady Capulet and Juliet, Eavenswood himself
resembles Hamlet in some respects as much as
Eomeo, though situated more like the latter.
Lady Ashton is avowed by Scott to greatly
resemble tlie celebrated Sarah, Duchess of
Marlborough, and her conduct in the story to
be founded on that of Lady Stair, while Sir
Wilham Ashton is specially declared to bear
no resemblance to the eminent lawyer. Lord
Stair, except, probably, in legal knowledge
and acuteness. Yet Lady Ashton seems more
consistent and determined than the impetuous
Lady Marlborough, whose imprudent vehe-
mence finally exhausted the patience of her
indulgent Sovereign and friend, Queen Anne,
' BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.' 105
and caused her disgraceful expulsion from the
English Court.
The character of Bucklaw, whom Lucy
Ashton is forced by her mother to marry,
bears no certain resemblance to the Laird of
Baldoon, the Bucklaw of reality ; and all the
other characters in this story are pure inven-
tions, save that of the old woman, Ailsie
Gourlay. Of these the most striking, per-
haps, is Caleb Balderstone, the faithful old
servant of Ravens wood, whose constant eflbrts
to conceal his ruined young master's poverty
are half amusing and half sad, as they would
certainly have been in real life. Colonel
Douglas Ashton, the worthy son of his
liaughty, implacable mother, is not unlike
Shakespeare's Tybalt in ' Eomeo and JuHet,'
though he is not introduced till the end
of the book. Bucklaw, though rash and
thoughtless, is rather amiable and well-dis-
])osed than otherwise. At the beginning of
the story Ravenswood and Lucy are first
introduced by his saving her father's Hfe and
106 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
lier own from the attack of a savage bull.
This event naturally causes a further ac-
quaintance, though entirely of Sir Wilham
Ashton's seekinpr durincr his wife's absence,
by whom he is completely overruled. It is at
this time that Eavenswood and Lucy exchange
love tokens by the Mermaiden's Well in Ravens-
wood Park, now belonoino^ to the Ashtons.
In this whole story Scott rather inchnes
to dwell upon the marvellous, and to make
gloomy prophecies come true, without posi-
tively stating his beUef in any such myste-
rious revelations in human affairs. This
Mermaiden's Well, where Eavenswood and
Lucy exchange vows of fidehty, and divide
a piece of gold, which each keeps as a pledge
from the other, was once the scene of a beau-
tiful and sad fairy legend, evidently Scott's
invention, which, however, enhances the
charm and interest of the interview between
the lovers. A raven also, that bird of ill-
omen, is shot dead beside Miss Ashton, at the
end of this sentimental scene.
' BRIDE OF LAMMERAIOOK.\ 107
But the previous warnings of the two
faithful servants of the Ravenswood family —
Caleb and bhnd AHce — are almost enough to
convince the reader that misfortune is in store
for the young lovers. Caleb vainly implores
his master never to visit his patrimonial
castle while belonCTincr to the Ashtons. But
Ravenswood overcomes, at least for a time,
that hereditary hatred towards them, which
had hitherto been his ruhng passion, owing
to his sudden and ardent attachment to Lucy,
and disren^ards all the warnings and alarmino-
prophecies of old Caleb. ^ Tlie return of
Lady Ashton at this time changes the whole
course of the story, and she expels Ravens-
wood immediately from his ancestral castle.
He departs full of grief and shame, and rides
^ Caleb repeats the following' gloomy prophecy to youni,'
Ravenswood, to disiuade him from visiting his father's castle
while in possession of his enemies. His young master, how-
ever, persists in riding there with Sir William Ashton and his
daughter. Balderstone, looking eagerly after them, exclaims —
' Close to her bridle rein — ay, close to her bridle rein. Wisely
saith the holy man. By this also you may know that woman
hath power over all men, and without this lass would not our
ruin be altogether fulfilled.'— Ch. xviii.
108 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY XOVELS.
on his way by the Mermaiden's WelL Here
lie perceives a white figure resembhng old
Alice, which instantly disappears, and Eavens-
wood, hastening to her cottage, finds that she
has just expired. In this instance Scott care-
fully avoids confessing any belief in those
supernatural apparitions which he yet takes
evident and pecuhar delight in describing
with such force and beauty.
The striking conversation which follows
between Eavenswood and the old sexton re-
minds the reader somewhat of the scene in
' Hamlet ' between the hero and the grave-
diggers, a quotation from which is prefixed to
this chapter.^
1 This sexton, a cunning, thankless fellow, not recognising
Ravenswood, freely blames the imprude ice of his unfortunate
ancestors, under whom he had lived in comfort, though now,
like all the Ravenswood tenantry, he is under the griping
lawyer. Sir William Asbton. Upon t'lis Edgar Ravenswood
naturally remarks, that if the late Lord Ravenswood protected
his people, as long as he was their landlord they might surely
spare his memory. ' Ye are welcome to yer ain opinion, sir,'
said the sexton, ' but ye winna persuade me that he did his
duty either to himsel' or to his poor dependent creatures, in
guiding us the gate he has done. He might hae gi'en us life-
rent tacks o' our bits o' houses and yards ; and me, that's an
'bridp: of lammermoor.' 100
But one of the most remarkable parts of
tlie story is where Lady Ashton employs old
Ailsie Gourlay, supposed by some to be a
witch, but who is merely a mahgnant, cunning
impostor, nominally to nurse Lucy Ashton,
but really to frighten her, by dismal stories
and prophecies about the Eavenswood family,
into breaking her engagement with Edgar
Eavenswood.^
But Lady Asliton mistakes her daughter's
character throughout, whom slie scornfully
terms 'her Lammermoor shepherdess.' Like
auld man, living in yon miserable cabin, that's fitter for the
dead than the quick, and killed wi' rheumatise ; and John
Smith, in my dainty bit mailing and his wiudow glazen, and a
because Eavenswood guided his gear like a fule.' ' It is but too
true,' said Eavenswood, conscience-struck, ' the penalties of
extravagance extend far beyond the prodigal's own suflerings.'
— Ch. xxiv.
' ' Dame Gourlay's tales were at first of a mild and in-
teresting character. Gradually, however, they assumed a
darker and more mysterious character, and became such as
told by the midnight lamp, and enforced by the tremulous
tone, the quivering and livid lip, the uplifted skinny fore-
finger, and t!ie shaking head of the blue-eyed hag, might have
appalled a more, credulous imagination in an age more hard of
belief. The old Sycorax saw her advantage, and gradually
narrowed her magic circle around the devoted victim on whose
spirit she practised.' — Ch. xxxi.
110 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
many harsh persons, she mistakes gentleness
and mildness for weakness or stupidity, and
really expected that Ailsie's stories would
soon frighten her from desiring any connec-
tion with the Eavenswood family, and that
then she would readily consent to marry
Bucklaw. Yet Lucy, though mild and yield-
ing, possesses strong and deep affections ; she
is equally unhke her mean, tricky father, or
her stern, vindictive mother. The effect of
mental persecution and terror upon her cer-
tainly banishes all idea of marrying Eavens-
wood, but with his abandonment her reason
also disappears, and thus she becomes the
victim of those who do not, and perhaps
could not understand her docile, yet devoted
and sensitive nature.
This old woman, Ailsie Gourlay, with two
others as artful and malignant as lierself,
often remind the reader, notwithstanding
their Scottish accent and low habits, of the
three witches in 'Macbeth,' whom they re-
semble in many respects, except in being
BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOK.' Ill
thoroughly human in the worst sense of the
term.^ Shakespeare's visionary creations in
'Macbeth' seem, indeed, malevolent enougli,
yet they inspire more interest and wonder
than actual detestation. But Scott's three
earthly witches are merely cunning, malevo-
lent old women, ' hated of all and hating,'
for which, indeed, they are to be pitied as
weU as detested. It is clear that in these
wretched instances Scott describes a class of
persons, at one time influential and dangerous,
among the Scottish peasantry, who, by pre-
tended skill in prophesying and fortune-
^ Ravenswood overhears the followiug 'uncanny' conver-
sation between these three old hags directly after Alice Gray's
death : — ' The very deil has turned as hard-hearted now as Sir
William Ashton and the grit folk that hae breasts like whin
stane. They prick us, and they pine us, and they put us ou
the pennywinkles for witches, and if I say my prayers back-
wards ten times Satan will never gie me amends o' them.'
' Did ye ever see the foul thief? ' asked her neighbour. * Na ! '
replied the other spokeswoman, ' but I trow I hae dreamed o'
him many a time, and I think the day will come they will burn
me foi-'t. But ne'er mind, cummer, we hae this dollar o' the
Master's [Ravenswood's], and we'll send down for bread, and
for yill, tobacco, and a drap brandy to burn, and a wee pickle
saft sugar, and be there deil or nae deil, lass, we'll hae a meny
night o't.' — Oh. xxiii.
112 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
telling, incurred at once the fear and hatred
of those on whose ignorant creduhty they
imposed for their own miserable subsistence.
It is, of course, deplorable to read in the
pages of Scott himself, Hallam, Lecky, and
other historians, of the awful cruelties often
inflicted throughout Scotland, especially upon
these wretched impostors, who, odious and
wicked, as most of them were, could not help
being innocent of the impossible guilt of
witchcraft, at least according to modern ideas.
For it appears both from Scott's novels and
his work upon witchcraft, as well as from
historical evidence,^ that in Scotland alleged
witchcraft was far more believed in, and per-
sons accused of it punished with far greater
cruelty, than in England ; while in Ireland
this singular superstition appears to have
been at least comparatively unknown.
Yet at one period of Christian history be-
lief in witchcraft animated even learned men
^ See Hallam's Constitutional History, Buckle's Civilisatior) ,
and Lecky 's Ratimialism.
'BRIDE OP LAMMERMOOR.' 113
of most denominations, and the celebrated
German Reformer, Luther himself, could not
get rid of the idea, and actually sanctioned
the burning of all witches, or rather of those
who appeared to be so, on what must have
been unsatisfactory evidence. How, notwith-
standing its fearful penalty, even the most
mahgnant and degraded human beings dared
incur suspicion of withcraft, as so many
actually did, is only exphcable by remember-
ing the intense love of power in some persons,
which this strange imposture was sure to
gratify, for a time ; yet, though the cruel
punishments inflicted on alleged witches were
whoUy unjustifiable, and are now acknow-
ledged so in all civilised countries, many of
these unfortunate victims were by no means
injured innocents. On the contrary, some, if
not most of them, appear to have been either
guilty or at least capable of almost every
crime except that for which they suffered.
Such a person was the odious Ailsie Gourlay,
in this novel a real character, and in de-
I
114 PHILOSOniY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
scribing whom even the calm, humane Sir
Walter seems to lose temper, or pretend to
do so ; for he declares — ' It is some comfort to
know that the old hag was tried, condemned,
and burned by sentence of a commission from
the [Scottish] Privy Council.' — (Gh. xxxi.)
Although Scott allowed himself to write thus
in an enlightened age, when witch-burning was
illegal, he would probably have been among
the first to protest against such cruelty being
inflicted even upon such a hateful creature as
the Ailsie Gourlay of fiction and of reahty.
But the most striking and dramatic scene
in this beautiful novel is the sudden return of
Eavenswood, and his denunciation of the Ash-
tons at the marriage of his afiianced bride
with Bucklaw. This scene is founded on the
real story, though amplified and rendered
most exciting by such a hand as Scott. He
carefully records the curious Scriptural quo-
tation with which the real Lady Ashton re-
pelled the reproaches of the unfortunate
lover. The stupified, half- conscious state of
* BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.' 115
the terrified bride, the violence of her mother,
and the indignation of Eavenswood during
this extraordinary scene, are avowedly drawn
from the tradition which Scott mentions in
the preface, and also at the end of the last
chapter but one. The death of the bride,
also, soon after her marriage, when she stabs
Bucklaw, though not fatally, even her last
exclamation, which reveals her disordered
state of mind, caused by a long course of
persecution, are alike founded on recorded
facts.
But the last chapter, relating the fate of
Eavenswood and Caleb Balderstone, is Scott's
own invention. Here he relied upon his own
almost unrivalled imagination ; and Eavens-
wood's death in the quicksand, as well as the
last days of the faithful Caleb, are described
with his characteristic power and pathos.
This story has been always deservedly a
favourite, not only with the reading public
but with painters, dramatists, and musicians.
It certainly pref^ents characters, scenes, and
1 2
116 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
situations highly attractive to artists of all
these professions. The Token scene, where
Eavenswood indignantly demands the pledge
of his ' egregious folly ' from the half-uncon-
scious bride, together with the love scene at
the Mermaiden's Well, have been alike repre-
sented in pictures, and also in Donizetti's
beautiful opera of ' Lucia di Lammermoor.'
Of course, in this musical composition many
scenes and characters had to be altered and
omitted, but the pathetic music during the
Token scene, especially in this Itahan opera,
is sufficiently characteristic to recall this most
attractive story to the memory of all musical
readers.
As a play, this tragedy has not been very
successful, notwithstanding its many dramatic
characters and situations.^ But the thrilling
^ I once saw this tragedy acted at the Lyceum Theatre
when managed by Mr. Fechter, who personated Ravenswood,
but the performance was not apparently very popular. The
three old hags were omitted ; and I remember hearing from
Mr. Charles Dickens that Mr. Fechter was right in omitting
them, as they would be compared by the public to tlie witches
in 'Macbeth,' yet they would perhaps have increased the
dramatic interest of the representation.
'BRIDE OP LAMMEIIMOOR.' 117
interest of this beautiful tragedy among all
refined readers of sense and feeling will pro-
bably be permanent, and even during last
year (1878) one of our best English portrait
painters, Mr. Millais, delighted many in Lon-
don by exhibiting alone his painting of
Ravenswood and Lucy Ashton, when they
first meet, after Ravenswood had saved her
father and herself from the bull. Ravens-
wood is here shown, as in the novel, tall,
dark-haired, and melancholy, Lucy Ashton
with fair hair and blue eyes ; she is holding
his arm, evidently craving his unwilling as-
sistance to find her father, whom he has
hitherto regarded as a mortal enemy. Lucy
still looks pale and frightened, having just
recovered from her swoon, while Ravenswood
looks stern and irresolute. Their counte-
nances both present their different emotions
at this time, as described by Scott, and which
the painter has thus reproduced from evident
deep reflection on the description of the
author.
1 1 8 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER IX]
' THE LEGEND OF MONTROSE.'
Scott's interest in the Highlanders, and his
pleasure in describing them, is more strikingly
shown in this short story, perhaps, than in
any other. The period is 1645-46, the hero
and heroine. Lord Menteith and Annot Lyle,
are rather uninteresting, and take very httle
part in the story.
The chief historical characters are the
rival Scottish noblemen, the great Marquis of
Montrose and the Marquis of Argyll. The
latter is allied with the Enghsh Common-
wealth, while Montrose is the champion of
the unfortunate Charles I. The majority
of the Scottish Lowland ers, however, being
Presbyterians, were hostile to the Monarchy,
'THE LEGEND OF MONTROSE.' 119
while most of the Higlilanders, though
many knew Uttle about Enghsh pohtics,
were disposed to join the king's standard.
Among these brave, yet undisciphned war-
riors, Montrose appeared, and soon acquired
the same surprising influence over them as
his rehitive. Lord Dundee, obtained in the
subsequent reign of James II. Lord Ma-
caulay observes that the very fact of these
two great men 7iot being Highlanders enabled
them to unite and command them better than
their own chieftains could have done, owing
to their hereditary feuds and jealousies. ' The
Highland chiefs who would never obey each
other, would far more readily obey the
orders of a distinguished stranger, though
even then their obedience was doubtful and
precarious.'^ However, for some time the
gallant Lowland Marquis of Montrose, com-
manding the Highlanders, was the terror of
the Lowlands ; for he certainly managed his
Highland soldiers with remarkable skill and
' History of Enylancl.
120 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
success. This story, however, only gives a
short sketch of his brilhant career at the
outset, and leaves him in the midst of his
triumphs.
The pleasure with which Scott describes
the victories of the Highlanders surprises,
and perhaps irritates Macaulay, who though
himself, bearing a Highland name, has httle
admiration for these mountaineers, and de-
cidedly prefers the comparatively civihsed
Scottish Lowlanders. He observes that Scott,
though of a Lowland family, describes with
dehghted pride the defeats of his own an-
cestors by fellow-countrymen whom they
regarded as little better than dangerous
savages ; and doubtless Scott views Montrose
and Dundee, while commanding the victorious
Highlanders, with far more admiration than
most of his fellow Lowlanders, Yet he admits
and censures Montrose's cruel ravages among
the Argyll tenantry, which he says was justly
considered a blot upon the fame of the great
Marquis ; while he certainly interests his
' THK LEGEND OF MONTROSE.' 121
readers iinich more for him than for his
enemy, ArgylL
He describes Argyll and the Campbells
as in alliance with the majority of the Low-
landers, and opposed to the majority of the
Highlanders, and they certainly acquired at
the end of the civil war the chief power
in Scotland while allied with the Enghsh
EepubHcans, Argyll's crafty, relentless cha-
racter is a striking contrast to that of his
noble descendant, so well described in ' Heart
of JVIidlothian,' and it may, perhaps, be doubted
if his character is fairly described in this tale.
The most remarkable fictitious character is
the well-known soldier of fortune. Major
Dalgetty. He, perhaps, shghtly resembles Le
Balafre^ and the Baron of Bradwardine,^ but
lie is quite distinct from either. He is a
Protestant ; his great hero being the Swedish
King, Gustavus Adolphus, the Protestant
champion in the North of Germany, and
under whom he had served with distinction.
^ Queniin Darward, '^ Waverley.
122 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
But his political principles seem uncertain,
and Cavalier and Roundhead are much
alike to him. In the subsequent civil war
between James II. and William III., he
would probably have joined the latter, from
their common Protestantism. But in this
civil strife between a Protestant kincf and
o
Protestant Republicans of various denomina-
tions, Dalgetty seems to feel comparatively
slight interest to what he felt in the previous
German Avars, which he is never weary of
describing.
He, however, joins Montrose, whom he
heartily admires, and by whom he is also
much valued as a useful assistant in managing
the Highlanders ; for though pedantic and
talkative to a great degree, he is a brave,
shrewd, and experienced officer. Scott com-
pares his singular character to Shakespeare's
Fluellen,^ and Ben Jonson's Captain Bobadil,^
but he bears httle resemblance to the former,
and scarcely any to the latter, who is de-
' Henry the Fifth. * Every Man in his Humour.
'THE LEGEND OF MONTROSE.' 123
scribed as a cowardly, though witty boaster,
while Dalgetty is brave as a Hon throughout.
The character of the fierce, half-mad High-
lander, Allan M'Aulaj^, is striking, but cer-
tainly not pleasing, and it is probable there
may have been many Highlanders like him,
considering their singular history and way of
life.
The story terminates rather abruptly,
leaving Montrose in triumph among his High-
land troops, and Argyll defeated, though
not vanquished, waiting his opportunity to
revenge himself upon his gallant rival. This
opportunity indeed arrived in the changing
fortunes of war, and Argyll's vengeance was
fearfully sated on the brave Marquis, who was
hanged from a gallows thirty feet high, and
loaded with bitter reproaches and rebukes to
the last by some of the Repubhcan party.
But Scott avoids describing his hero's mis-
fortunes, and leaves him in the midst of
his brief, but glorious successes. This tale,
though containing some beautiful descriptions
124 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of Highland scenery, and a few striking cha-
racters, is not very interesting or enhvening.
There are no amusing or witty characters
from beginning to end, except Dalgetty, and
though the hero and heroine are happily
married, the reader feels Mttle interest about
them. Montrose and Dalgetty are the two
chief characters, by whom attraction and in-
terest are ahke absorbed ; the former being
described perhaps rather too favourably, while
the latter is one of Scott's most original
creations, perfectly natural and consistent
throughout.
IVANHOE.' 125
CHAPTER X.
' IVANHOE.'
In this magnificent and most original work
Scott describes with remarkable success the
state of England in the latter part of Rich-
ard I.'s reign, during that monarch's
absence in Syria at the head of the British
Crusaders. He describes with great care the
enmity between the ruhng Normans and sub-
jected Saxons, apparently preferring the latter,
among whom are his hero and heroine, Sir
Wilfred, of Ivanhoe, and the Lady Rowena.
So thoughtful and accurate a historical
student as Scott, however, was not content
with describing these two hostile parties, but
he has also given a most striking, and pro-
bably a too true account of the oppression
126 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of the Jews at this time in England. The
only historical characters are King Eicliard
Coeiir de Lion, his brother, Prince John, and
the celebrated robber, Eobin Hood, alias
Locksley.
The manners, customs, language, ideas,
together with the armour, dresses, and furni-
ture of this period are described with a force
and accuracy never surpassed, and perhaps
never equalled by any author in prose fiction.^
The characters, whether historical or fictitious,
are as life-like and natural as if drawn from
personal acquaintance.
The scene is laid entirely in England,
chiefly in the Castle of Cedric, a Saxon, father
of Ivanhoe, and guardian of the orphan
heroine, Eowena ; in that of Front-de-Boeuf,
^ The late M. Guizot's pi-aise of the historian Gibbon may
also be applied to Scott's best historical novels. Guizot, after
luentioiiiug' ' that truly philosophical equity of mind which
judged the past as it would have judged the present,' proceeds
— ' His eye was never darkened by the mists which time gathers
round the dead. He saw that man is ever the same, whether
arrayed in the [Roman] toga, or in the dress of to-day; whether
deliberating in the senate of old, or at the modern council
board.' — Guizot's Preface to the Decline and Fail.
IVAMIOE.' 127
the Norman tyrant ; also in the town of
Ashby, during the tournaments there, under
the auspices of Prince John ; and again in
Sherwood Forest, among the outlaws of
Locksley. Young Ivanhoe returns disguised
as a Palmer from the Syrian Crusade, having
offended his irritable, but generous old father,
Cedric. He is much esteemed by his chival-
rous sovereign, Richard, who returns either
with or soon after him from Syria, and also
in disguise, which is historically true. During
his absence, however, his ambitious, deceitful
brother John has not only been ruling the
kingdom, but plotting to have him formally
deposed, and himself crowned king. In this
attempt he is joined by some of his fellow
Normans, while for pohtic reasons he en-
deavours, through Waldemer Fitzurse and
other adherents, to induce even the conquered
Saxons to join his faction, though dishking
them much more than his chivah'ous brother
does, who, quite absorbed by the crusades
and other martial exploits, regarded his Saxon
128 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
subjects with far less aversion. His wonderful
bravery even procured him the admiration of
Saxons as well as Normans, especially as the
former were now far too weak to resist the
Norman rule ; and except in the case of the
impetuous Cedric, and others hke him, hardly
dared to make open complaints against their
haughty rulers.
Prince John's character is evidently drawn
from history, and seems in this story, when a
young man, precisely what might be expected
from Shakespeare's sketch of him during the
last years of his troubled reign. For much
the same petulant arrogance, constant sus-
picion, nervousness, and pride, together with
occasional flashes of energy and spirit, appear
in both the play and novel.
But the two most remarkable characters
in this great work, are the Jew Isaac and
his noble-minded daughter, Eebecca. Tlie
dangerous persecution and insults which they
suffer in a nominally Christian land are indeed
a sad subject for the reflection of posterity,
' IVANHOE.' 129
especially when it can be proved that this de-
scription is no invention, or even exaggeration.
During the subsequent reign of John, indeed,
the cruelties inflicted on Jews were more
atrocious and frequent than in that of King
Eichard ; and for centuries they were exposed
to insult, and often to injury, throughout
the greater part of Christian Europe.-^ Isaac
himself is nearly as avaricious as the terrible
Jew of Shakespeare's creation ; but here their
resemblance ceases, though they are placed
in somewhat similar positions, each living in
a Christian land, constantly reviled and in-
^ ' The Jews were everywhere the objects of popular insult
and oppression, frequently of a general massacre, though pro-
tected, it must be owned, by the laws of the [Christian]
Church, as well as in general by temporal princes. It was the
custom in Toulouse [South of France] to give a blow on the
face to a Jew every Easter ; this was commuted in the twelfth
century to a tribute.' (Hallam's Euroj)e in the Middle Aijcs,
vol. iii. ch. ix.) As to their treatment in England, Scott de-
clares (ch. vi.) ' they were exposed to every turn of popular
fury, for Normans, Saxons, Danes, and Britons, however
adverse these races were to each other, contended which should
look with greatest detestation upon a people whom it was
accounted a point of religion to hate, to revile, to desjwse, to
plunder, and to persecute.'
130 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
suited, yet steadily making money by usury
or extortion out of their oppressors. Not-
withstanding the different characters of these
two celebrated Jews of fiction, their com-
plaints of Christian ill-usage are almost pre-
cisely the same.^ Yet, while Shakespeare
makes his Jew either naturally cruel, or more
hkely hardened and embittered by constant
1 Shylock says to his Venetian creditor, Antonio —
' You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,
And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,
And all for use of that which is mine own ;
Well, then, it now appears you need my help.
Go to then ; you come to me and say,
" Shylock, we would have moneys ;"
You say so.
What should I say to you ?
Should I not say,
"Hath a dog money?'" &c. — Act 1.
Isaac of York says, probably with equal truth, 'I force my
moneys upon no one. But when churchman and laj'man, prince
and friar, knight and priest, come knocking to Isaac's door,
they borrow not his shekels with these uncivil terms. It is
then, " Friend Isaac, will you pleasure us in this matter, and
our day shall be truly kept, so God save me ; " and " Kind Isaac,
if ever you served man, show yourself a friend in this need."
And when the day comes, and I ask my own, then what hear
I but " Damned Jew," and the curse of Egypt upon your tribe,
and all that may stir up the rude, uncivil populace against poor
strangers.' — Ch. xxxviii.
IVANHOE.' 131
insult, Scott describes poor Isaac all the more
tiniid and secretly prejudiced against Chris-
tians, while preserving a kind heart towards
not only his daughter, but towards Christians
also.
The character of Rebecca is perhaps the
most admirable and even sublime of all Scott's
heroines. To estimate it fairly, the pages of
history should be studied to enable posterity
to understand the -extraordinary position in
which Jews and Jewesses found themselves in
Christian lands at this period. For Eebecca
may perhaps be considered not quite a ficti-
tious character, as she evidently resembles
the excellent and wise Jewess, Miriam, whom
Scott mentions as her former instructress in
the art of healing. The atrocious murder of
this noble woman is mentioned, but not de-
tailed by Scott, but it was evidently one of
the most wanton crimes ever committed by
the hateful bigotry of nominal Christians
against one who was far more worthy of the
k2
132 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
name.^ It is to be feared that her sad in-
stance was not uncommon in most Christian
countries at the period of this tale. For
persons even born in the Christian faith were
often burnt for alleged sorcery and witchcraft,
and when Jews were accused of the same
practices, their chances of escape were sHght
indeed.
Although Scott always means to instruct
his readers, he always prefers to amuse and
cheer, rather than distress them, at the same
time. Accordingly, he makes Eebecca to be
accused, Hke Miriam, of these absurd prac-
tices, tried, condemned and sentenced. She
^ When Rebecca falls into the power of the Templars, their
fanatical Grand Master, who suspects the poor Jewess of throw-
ing some evil speU over his Knights, sieruly inquires of Isaac
where or how she learned the art of healing. Isaac replies hy
means of a certain balsam of marvellous virtue. ' Where had
she that secret ? ' * It was delivered to her/ answered Isaac,
reluctantly, ' by Miriam, a sage matron of our tribe.' ' Ah,
false Jew,' said the Grand Master, ' was it not from that same
witch, Miriam, the abomination of whose enchantments have
been heard of throughout every Christian land,' exclaimed the
Grand Master, crossing himself. ' Her body was burnt at a
stake, and her ashes were scattered to the four winds, and so
be it with me and mine order, if I do not as much to her pupil,
and more also.' — Ch. xxxv.
IVANHOE.
stands bound close to a pile of fagots, her
bigoted executioners trying at the last to con-
vert her to their ideas of Christianity, when
just as the humane reader is breathless with
fear and anxiety, rescue appears in Ivanhoe
himself, and the destined victim is saved from
her awful doom. But though Scott thus
kindly and wisely spares the feehngs of his
readers, he impressively warns them by allu-
sion to the case of Miriam, that in reahty
often no rescue appeared, and the wicked
violence of bigoted folly prevailed.^
Scott appears to have been the first
Christian writer of fiction who not only witli
safety, but success, described Jews perse-
cuted by Christians, and who has contrived
also to enlist the sympathies of Christian
readers entirely for them. For Shakespeare,
while making Shylock bitterly and truly
* *No one but a Saint Bernard would have dared with
success to distinguish with nice justice between the active and
the passive adversaries of the [Chi-istian] faith, the armed
Saracen and the defenceless Jew.' — Milman's Latin Chris-
tianity, vol. iv.
134 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
narrate the insults he endures, yet describes
him as so cruel, revengeful and unfeeUng,
even towards his own daughter, that it is
impossible to pity him as much as he would
otherwise deserve. And perhaps when Shake-
speare lived, a description of unchristianhke
Christians and comparatively Christianlike
Jews, would still have been very unac-
ceptable to a Christian pubhc ; but in the
time of Scott all anti- Jewish prejudices had
so vanished, or at least diminished, that his
Jewish heroine was quite as much admired
and appreciated by Christian as by Jewish
readers.
The most dangerous character in this
story, and the personal foe of the hero
is a Knight Templar, Sir Brian de Bois-
Guilbert, who, though a terrible enemy to
the Saracens, and so far an ornament to his
Order, is too hcentious and voluptuous for
an exemplary monastic knight.^ He there-
^ 'The Order of the Temple was a half military, half
monastic community. The three great monastic vows — im-
IVANHOE.' 135
fore incurs the severe displeasure of his
spiritual superior, the Grand Master Lucas
Beaumanoir. This old zealot is a thorough
Knight Templar, in the most rigid sense,
and when the Order and that of St. John
were first estabhshed, probably many of the
knights resembled him.^ But in the reign
of Eichard L, these Orders, the Templars
especially, had become luxurious and pro-
fligate, while retaining the undaunted valour
which had always distinguished them. Re-
becca's love for Ivanhoe, and his coldness, if
not contempt both for her and her father,
make him a less interesting hero, despite
plicit obedience to tlieir superiors, chastity, abandonment of
all personal property, were the fundamental statutes of the
Order ; while instead of the peaceful, secluded monastery, the
contemplative, devotional or studious life, their convents were
strong castles, their life that of the camp or the battle-field,
armed, horsed, accoutred in the most splendid fashion of
the times, isolated from all ties or instincts with the rest
of mankind ; ready at the summons of the Grand Master
to embark on any service, the one aim the power, aggran-
disement, enrichment of their Order.' — Milman's Latin Chris-
tianity. ,
1 See Abbe Vertot's Knights of Malta,
136 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
his chivalrous exploits, until at the last when
he appears as Rebecca's champion.^
Yet this situation is probably Scott's com-
plete invention. For by all historical evi-
dence for a Christian knight to risk his hfe
for a Jewess, or indeed any unbehever, would
have been almost a moral impossibihty, con-
sidering the rehgious feehngs of the period.
The magnificent scene where the Jewess,
while nursing Ivanhoe when both are pri-
soners in Torquilstone Castle, describes the
attack upon it, ehcits some warlike expres-
sions from the heroic Jewess, as if desiring
* When Rebecca nurses the wounded Ivanhoe in her father "s
house, he does not know she is a Jewess till she reveals it to
him, upon which Scott observes, * She could not but sigh in-
ternally when the glance of respectful admiration, not alto-
gether unmixed with tenderness, with which Ivanhoe had
hitherto regarded his unknown benefactress, was exchanged at
once for a manner cold, composed, and collected, and fraught
with no deeper feeling than that which expressed a gi-ateful
sense of courtesy received from an unexpected quarter, and
from one of an inferior race.' — Ch. xxviii. Now, Ivanhoe,
doubtless, as the hero, represents Scott's idea of the most en-
lightened English gentleman of his time. Yet his religious
prejudices against unbelievers are nearly as intense as those of
any other character in the book, though he is endowed with a
generous and grateful spirit.
IVANHOE.' 137
to see her oppressed race again in arms, and
asserting their long-lost national rights. But
these aspirations, only uttered during tem-
porary excitement, seem to have been usually
suppressed or concealed by the Jews ever
since their national dispersion ; and Eebecca
herself soon relapses into that submissive
state of mind which, as she expresses it,
alone becomes a daughter of her race. In
no part of the book, however, does she ap-
pear nobler than in the fearful interview with
the fierce, profligate Templar, Bois-Guilbert,
while a prisoner in his fi'iend. Front de
Boeuf's castle of Torquilstone.^
^ ' What wouldst thou have of me,' said Eebecca, ' if not
my wealth ? You are a Christian, I am a Jewess : our union
were contrary alike to the laws of the church and the syna-
gogue.'
* It were so indeed,' replied the Templar, laughing. * Wed
with a Jewess ! Not if she were Queen of Sheba. It is
against my vow to love any maiden otherwise than para-
mours, as I will love thee. I am a Templar. Behold the cross
of my holy order.'
' Barest thou appeal to it,' said Rebecca, ' on an occasion
like the present ? I will proclaim thy villainy, Templar, from
one end of Europe to the other. I will owe to the superstition
of thy brethren what their compassion might refuse me. Each
138 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Yet even the licentious Bois-Gnilbert,
whom she so bravely defies, and from whom
she narrowly escapes, is almost preferable
to his superior, the relentless old zealot,
Beaumanoir.^ These two, with the Malvoisin
brothers and Mont Fitchet, are the only
Templars mentioned, and they are all either
stern bigots or licentious hypocrites. If
Preceptoiy, each Chapter of thy Order shall hear that like a
heretic thou has sinned with a Jewess.' (Oh. xxxiv.) Scott,
in these words of Rebecca, well exposes the odious bigotry of
these nominally Christian warriors whose undaunted bravery
seems at this time almost their only redeeming quality.
1 With all Scott's historical accuracy, it is to be hoped for
the credit of humanity, that not even Templars ever gave such
advice as follows to a Christian cripple, lately nursed by some
of the despised children of Israel. ' Higg, son of Snell,' said
the Grand Master, ' I tell thee it is better to be bedridden than
to accept the benefit of unbelievers' medicine, that thou mayest
arise and walk ; better to despoil infidels of their treasure by the
strong hand, than to accept of them benevolent gifts, or do them
service for wages. Go thou and do as I have said.' ' Alack ! '
said the peasant, * an' it shall not displease your Reverence,
the lesson comes too late for me, for I am but a maimed
man ; but I will tell my two brethren who serve the rich rabbi,
Nathan Ben Samuel, that your mastership says it is more law-
ful to rob him than to render him faithful service.' ' Out with
the prating villain,' said Beaumanoir, who was not prepaied
to refute this practical application of his general maxim.
(Oh. xxvii.)
IVANHOE.' ] 30
these specimens fairly represent the general
character of the real Templars, their cruel
extirpation by King Phihp of France many
years later, is little to be regretted.
The character of the old Saxon woman,
Ulrica, though powerfully sketched, is seldom
introduced. The hatred which she and
Cedric express for their Norman rulers is
the more remarkable, as Saxons and Nor-
mans were at this time ahke enhsted under
the same banner, in the Syrian Crusades, of
Eichard Coeur de Lion. It is Hkely that
these wars may, to some extent, have con-
tributed to lessen the hatred between them,
which after this reign rapidly diminished,
and the name of Enghshman alike compre-
hended their descendants when blended to-
gether by the same laws, religion, and lan-
guage.^ It is to be feared, however, that
Scott's Eichard I. is a great improvement
on the reality, who, though heroically brave
^ See Macaulay's remarks on this subject, History of Eny-
land, vol. i.
140 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WATERLEY NOVELS.
and often generous, was usually imperious,
violent, and unjust.^ Locksley also is pro-
bably an improvement upon the actual Eobin
Hood, though the latter was said to retain
many good quahties, despite his lawless, irre-
gular way of life. Richard's prompt for-
giveness of his rebellious brother, John, is
confirmed by history ; but his arbitrary ex-
pulsion of the Knights Templars from his
dominions appears to be Scott's invention.
Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the nominal hero,
though not one of the most interesting cha-
racters, is probably Scott's idea of what an
Enghsh knight and gentleman ought to have
been at this extraordinary period. He is
brave, compassionate, and generous ; yet by
no means free from the ignorant, superstitious
prejudices of the time. This is evident from
his harsh, contemptuous language to the Jew
Isaac, and even to the Jewess Rebecca, when
an invalid under her care.
^ Hume's History.
IVANHOE.' 141
The most fanciful part of the story de-
scribes the merry outlaws under Locksley in
Sherwood Forest, and the jovial hermit, Friar
Tuck ; but while their attack on Torquilstone
Castle, and all their conversations are ahke
imaginary, history states that these robbers,
who were of Saxon birth, took refuge in this
forest under Eobin Hood and his heutenant
Little John, who is only once alluded to in
the novel. Here they lived for some time,
often plundering their wealthy and rapacious
Norman neighbours, and probably rather ad-
mired for this by many of the Saxon pea-
santry, who mostly agreed with them, at least
in hatred to the Normans.
It is also historically true, as related in
' Ivanhoe,' that King Eichard on returning
disguised to England actually hved for a
short time with these outlawed foes to his
race,^ and very probably vied with these
rough associates in trials of strength and
1 Hume and Cassell's Histories.
142 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
agility ; for in these habits Coeur de Lion
apparently somewhat resembled his remote
descendant, Henry VIII. His joyful re-
cognition, and immediate restoration to the
throne, with his generous forgiveness of
Prince John are historical facts ; and the
more, indeed, this work is compared to the
histories of the period it describes, the more
the reader may trust, as well as admire, the
representations and statements of Scott. ^
Although he has been charged with mak-
ing this barbarous period of Enghsli history
too attractive at the expense of historic truth,
yet if this novel is carefully studied, we shall
surely find ample reason to condemn and de-
plore the state of society and of public feeling
which it depicts, though the combined sense
and genius of the author describe many
noble characters and romantic situations,
^ ' Sir Walter Scott lias used those fragments of truth
which historians have scornfully thrown behind them, in a
manner which may well excite their envy. He has constructed
out of their gleanings works, which even considered as bis-
tories, are scarcely leas valuable than theirs.' — Macaulay's
Essay on History.
IVANHOE.' 143
wliicli have, doubtless, arisen and occurred
sometimes in all stages of tlie world's liistory.
For not only is the religious bigotry of even
the best characters, including Ivanhoe him-
self, towards unbelievers, pecuharly odious,
but the bitter words and cruel conduct of
Saxons and Normans towards each other, the
general insecurity of life and property, and
their frequent disregard of all justice as well
as humanity are narrated by Scott as clearly
as language permits. Thus his historical
knowledge, alHed with his powerful imagina-
tion, produced a work nearly as instructive as
interesting to posterity. His profound know-
led ""e of human nature also tauo^ht him that
in these semi-barbarous times there were
many stern principles avowed, and cruel
deeds committed by men capable of better
things, who retained, even amid their crimes
and errors, many good qualities, and whose
faults, indeed, were more attributable to the
times in which tliey lived tlian to their own
natural dispositions. Even tlie hero, Ivanhoe,
144 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
who saved the Jew's life at the beginning of
the story, and Rebecca's at the end of it, is
unable to conceal his haughty contempt for
both of them, solely owing to their rehgion.
When such are the generous Ivanhoe's feel-
ings towards all Jews, the cruel injustice
of men like the tyrant, Front de Boeuf, the
licentious Bois-Guilbert, and the bigoted
Lucas Beaumanoir, towards them is not sur-
prising.
The attempt on King Eichard's Hfe, insti-
gated by his brother, seems an invention,
though from all accounts such an enterprise
would not have been unacceptable to Prince
John at this time. In most chapters mention-
ing this unscrupulous Prince, Scott quotes
from Shakespeare's tragedy of 'King John,'
which was probably often in his mind while
describing him. The mingled rage and terror
with which he hears of his brother's arrival
in England, and his alternate threatening and
coaxing his followers, Pitzurse and De Bracy,
foreshadow the artful, nervous, and suspicious
IVANIIOE. 14;
king of Shakespeare's tragedy ; and both de-
scriptions are, doubtless, founded on history.
Prince John's first appearance in ' Ivanhoe,'
at the tournament, seems like a gloomy sun-
rise portending stormy times of future dis-
aster. Though richly dressed, well mounted,
receiving the acclamations of all present, and
presiding at a magnificent spectacle then most
popular with all classes, he contrives to pro-
voke even his own partisans ; and his snatching
the money from the luckless Jew, who dares
not refuse him, amid the applauding laughter
of the spectators, completes this prophetic
picture of his future career. For the English
Jews during his reign, even despite such laws
as assured them some protection, were not
only persecuted but tortured to obtain their
money for the tyrant's public or private pur-
poses.^ Scott, therefore, could hardly have
better described this young Prince's temper,
disposition, and habits, than he does in this
chapter, in which he reveals, as it were, the
^ Hallain's Middle Ages, and Hume's History.
L
146 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
dawn of those caprices and vices which
rendered his subsequent reign so calamitous
and terrible to himself and his country.
The two most interesting descriptions
towards the close of the story are — first, the
scene between the wounded Front de Bceuf in
his burning castle, and his Saxon victim and
destroyer, Ulrica, which is certainly a scene of
great tragic power ; and secondly, the pathetic
interview between the two heroines, Eebecca
and Eowena. In the first, Scott gives the
wounded Norman's remarkable sohloquy, in
which this savage Baron, perhaps for the first
time, begins to think of religion, its claims,
hopes, and terrors.
The mingled hardihood and superstition
of the fierce Norman, and the revengeful
fury of Ukica, are described with terrific
earnestness and power, though the scene is, of
course, imaginary. The last interview between
Rebecca and Eowena, however, requires some
acquaintance with the theological views of
the times to clearly estimate its moral worth
' IVANHOE.' 147
and beauty. Rebecca is far superior to
Eowena in wisdom, courage, self-control, and
every other quality that can elevate one per-
son above another ; she has saved the hero's
Hfe, and narrowly escaped death, after a hfe
of trial and endurance, while Eowena has done
nothing but bewail her own comparatively
slight troubles ; yet even Rebecca does homage
to this Saxon beauty, treats her with the
greatest respect, presents her with her own
jewels, and bids her farewell with every hope
for her and Ivanhoe's wedded happiness.
Lady Eowena, it is true, is civil and to some
extent sympathising, but Httle more ; yet even
for this sUght degree of kindness the Jewess
is most thankful, and expresses deep grati-
tude. She owns to Eowena that England is
not a safe place for her people, and that she,
with her father, are about to settle in Spain
under the rule of Moorish Mahometans, who
then held the southern part of that country.
Perhaps Scott chose this refuge for his Jewish
heroine, owing to the approaching persecution
l2
148 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of the English Jews in the subsequent reign
of King John.
Although this great work possesses un-
usual interest for all educated readers,
whether sentimental, antiquarian, historical,
romantic, or theological, the most impressive
feature in it is the cruel and disgraceful treat-
ment of the Jews throughout England and
Christendom generally at this time, even by
those of comparative education and enlighten-
ment. Yet this unhappy race were utterly
inoffensive, defenceless, completely at the
mercy of Christian nations, whose reUgion
especially enjoined charity as well as justice
towards the unfortunate, both of which were
for centuries legally and systematically denied
to the Jews. Nor was it only the harsh and
unfeehng who either committed, or approved,
odious injustice against both Jews and in-
deed all other non-Christians at this period.
Scott well knew this, and therefore describes
even his hero, Ivanhoe, the generous old
Cedric, the honest Gurth, even the merry
' n^\NHOE.' 149
jester Wamba, all worthy men in their several
stations, yet all viewing Jews and infidels with
much the same extraordinary aversion and
contempt, almost regardless of their moral
conduct and character. Even the savage idea
of the Templars, that slaying a number of
Saracens was not only a righteous act, but
might absolve them from the guilt of other
crimes, was no invention of Scott's. The
ferocious sentiments of the Grand Master,
beheving himself a pious Christian, while
violating the most essential doctrines of that
faith, is not even an exaggeration. In all
these statements Scott was firmly supported
by the records of history, bequeathed to pos-
terity by Christian writers ^ for the instructive
warning of future Christians, who it is to be
hoped are more worthy of the name.
When this great work is calmly examined
and studied in all its bearings, and its varied
' See Holinslied's Chronicl'S, and the evidence accumulated
in Ilallam's Middle Ages and Milmau's Latin Christianity upon
this subject.
150 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELET NOVELS.
information estimated by the confirmation of
history, it may surely be considered one of
the best, if not the very best, historical novel
in the Enghsh language.^ Unhke so many
works of extreme interest which, when once
read, lose their charm, the pages of this
standard work may be studied over and over
again for instruction as well as entertainment.
^ As Mr. Carlyle observes, ' These historical novels [Scott's]
have taught all men this truth, which looks like a truism, and
yet was as good as unknown to writers of history and others
till so taught, that the bygone ages of the world were actually
filled by living men, not by protocols, state papers, contro-
versies, and abstractions of men.' — Essay on Scott.
'THE MOXASTERY.' 151
CHAPTEE XI.
*THE MONASTERY.'
This story and ' The Abbot,' which are con-
nected together both in their characters and
incidents, treat of Scotland at a time more
remote than ' Old Mortality.' The first is a
singular combination of a historical romance
with a fairy tale, and Scott admits that he
considered it almost a failure, though many of
his readers will probably not agree with him.
Yet the fanciful White Lady of Avenel has
little to do with the rest of the story. She
is, of course, altogether an imaginary being,
co-existing with the Avenel family, appear-
ing to one person at a time, and speaking
always in measured verse. ^ Her description
1 ' Something between heaven and hell,
Something that neither stood nor fell,
152 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of herself is original and pathetic. She seems
an exception to the ordinary rule of fairies,
warlock, wee folk, &c., so generally beheved
in and usually dreaded by the Scotch peasan-
try. Neither malevolent nor particularly
well-disposed to the human race, she seems
the pure creation of Scott's fancy, and he him-
self seems rather puzzled what to do with
her, as she takes very httle part in the story,
though she certainly arouses the reader's inte-
rest and curiosity.
The period of the tale is the reign of Queen
Mary, the beautiful, unfortunate last Queen of
Scotland, whose guilt or innocence of the
most atrocious crimes has always divided
and perplexed historians even to the present
day. The Eeformation was now spreading
Wayward, fickle is our mood,
Hovering between bad and good ;
Happier than brief-dated man,
Living twenty times his span,
Far less happy, for we have
Help nor hope beyond the grave ;
Man awakes to joy or sorrow —
Ours the sleep that knows no morrow.' — Oh. xii.
'THE MONASTERY.' 153
rapidly in Scotland ; though Mary herself is
a devoted Eoman Catholic, her illegitimate
brother, Moray, and all her Court and chief
Ministers are Presbyterian, or Episcopalian
Protestants ; while, except the Highlanders,
with whom she had apparently httle inter-
course, most of her subjects lent willing ears
to the preaching and doctrine of the resolute
John Knox and other Eeformers, whose in-
fluence and popularity increased with great
rapidity during this reign. Melrose or Ken-
naquhair Abbey, the Monastery of the tale,
was still inhabited by a few monks ; the most
courageous of these, Father Eustace, is chosen
Abbot by the advice of the superior Abbot,
Boniface himself, who, loving a quiet life, and
utterly unable to guard the interests of his
afflicted brethren, wisely devolves all authority
upon one far more fitted to use it.
The Abbot Eustace is, perhaps, the most
interesting character in this story, and the
more so as probably there were many at this
time in Scotland who were placed in a some-
154 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
what similar position. The rehgious history
and state of Scotland form the groundwork of
this story and ' The Abbot,' Scott, as usual,
describing the contending parties with toler-
able impartiality, though inclining towards
the Eeformers.
To understand these tales fully, in their
moral objects, it is necessary to study the
actual history of the period, which these
instructive fictions make so attractive. It is
difficult, if not impossible, for a calm lover of
rational hberty to decide whether the defeated
Roman CathoUcs or the successful Reformers
were the most opposed to its real principle.
John Knox is often called, and perhaps be-
lieved himself to be, the honest champion of
mental freedom ; but if his words and deeds
are compared, it is evident he was as ruthless
a persecutor of those he thought impious, as
the most intolerant of his Roman Cathohc
opponents.
According to eminent authority,^ Knox
" Tjtler's History of Scotland, voL vi.
THE MONASTERY.
155
and other Scottish Reformers at this time
abhorred the Prelacy of England as much as
Roman Cathohcism ; in short, they seemed to
view every rehgious system except their own
with the same utter want of charity. The
fierce and dangerous bigotry of one party
thus aroused that of others, and which reh-
gious denomination was the most guilty of in-
tolerance has always been hitherto a matter
of dispute.^ Doubtless there were some — it is
to be hoped many — who secretly deplored the
violence of their more powerful co-rehgionists,
but in the days of ' The Monastery ' these made
no sign in Scotland ; their time was not yet
' Knox contended that by theWord of God and the laws of
the land, every priest who dared celebrate, and every person
who ventured to attend the mass, was obnoxious to capital
punishment. — (Tyller's History, vol. vi.) Mr. Carlyle, while
praising John Knox, says — ' What is tolerance ? Tolerance
has to tolOTate the unessential, and to see what that is.' —
{Heroes and Hero Worship.) But that is precisely the question
which has divided and continues to divide some of the best
and wisest men, even among Christians, from each other. The
system of John Knox, in suppressing by capital punishment
the spread of doctrines which he believes false, was surely much
the same as that of Torquemada and other distinguished presi-
dents of the Inquisition.
156 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
come, and the reign of intolerant fanatical
cruelty in high places prevailed during all
the period described in it and ' The Abbot.'
In this story the Glendinning brothers,
Halbert and Edward, appear in boyhood, and
re-appear as men in ' The Abbot.' The elder,
brave, daring, yet shrewd and intelhgent,
becomes a Protestant, and enters the service
of the Eegent Moray ; the younger, a more
thoughtful, studious character, is much in-
fluenced by the excellent Abbot Eustace,
and becomes a monk. Halbert is converted
chiefly by the preaching and reasoning of
Henry Warden, who, while admiring and
resembhng Knox, is of milder temper, though
sharing the same opinions. His character,
conduct, and motives are strikingly compared
to those of the Abbot Eustace. They were
college friends, and again met after years of
separation, but only to argue, dispute, and
finally despair of each other's salvation, solely
owing to diflerences on certain abstract points
of their common Christianity.
'THE MONASTERY.' 157
Tlieir interviews and language well re-
present the feelings then current throughout
Great Britain, but in Scotland especially,
among the divided Christian clergy. It is to
be feared, however, that Scott is too favour-
able to both contending parties in these two
specimens at least at this time. For they are
ahke men of kind hearts and charitable feel-
ings, despite their narrow intolerant views ;
and probably in Scott's hands they are far pre-
ferable to the originals from whom he may
have partly drawn them. Their avowed prin-
ciples of mutual abhorrence and antipathy
would indeed sanction a vast amount of cruel
injustice, but Scott, perhaps for the sake of his
modern readers, prevents their treating each
other as in real hfe they probably would have
done, and makes them at last part company,
if not in friendship, at least in some sort of
Christian charity.^
1 * These two men, both excellent from natural disposition
and acquired knowledge, had more points of similarity than
they themselves would have admitted. They could not part
from each other without a second pressure of hands, and each
158 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
An amusing incident in this rather gloomy
story is the escape of Sir Piercie Shafton, an
Enghsh gentleman, into Scotland from Queen
Elizabeth's Government. His absurd fan-
tastic style of conversation called euphuism,
at this time was, however, really adopted
even by such distinguished men as Sir Philip
Sydney, though a wonderful contrast to the
blunt, often coarse language of the imperious
Ehzabeth herself. Sir Piercie, however, takes
httle part in the story, and soon yields in in-
terest to Moray and Morton, the successive
Eegents of Scotland, who alhed together and
aided by the preaching of Knox, whom one of
them, if not both, secretly derided, maintained
the Eeformed rehgion in Scotland while their
unfortunate sovereign Queen Mary was a pri-
soner. But the time for her formal deposition
was not yet come. Her illegitimate brother,
Moray, and Morton ruled Scotland in her
looked in the face of his old companion as he bade him adieu,
with a countenance strongly expressive of affection, sorrow, and
pity.' — (Oh. xxxiii.)
'THE MONASTERY.' 159
name, while in strict and somewhat secret
alhance with England's Ehzabeth, now the
most powerful Protestant sovereign in Europe.
This alhance was evidently formed and main-
tained chiefly for rehgious objects, and from
rehgious motives.
Almost the only stirring incidents in ' The
Monastery ' are the career and deaths of the
savage Baron, Juhan Avenel, and his follower,
Christie, of the Chnthill. Julian is a fierce
Hcentious Scottish noble of the period, who
repudiates the Eoman Cathohc faith without
adopting any other ; he is far too violent and
reckless to attach himself decidedly to either
of the rehgious and pohtical parties now
struggUng for supremacy in Scotland, and
thus naturally incurs the suspicious enmity of
both. His adherent, Christie, is one of those
singular desperadoes, more bad than good,
though not a thorough villain, whom Scott
often describes, and whose lawless character
was Hkely enough to be produced by the
160 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
savage times and circumstances in which he
Hved.
The conclusion of ' The Monastery ' leaves
Moray and Morton politically supreme, and
Queen Mary still a prisoner and in their
power, though not yet formally dethroned.
The preaching and doctrines of Knox and
Warden are, however, making great progress
through all Scotland, and partly preparing
and inclining the public mind for this pohtical
event. For no Roman Cathohc theologians
of ability or popularity appeared to defend
the old religion from the ardent and success-
ful attacks made upon it among high and low,
throughout the length and breadth of the
land.
The Scottish monks in Melrose and else-
where, few and dispirited, foresee the temporal
destruction of their monastic edifice, as well
as the downfall and persecution of their
doctrines. Yet among them were some calm
and patient spirits Uke the Abbot Eustace
'THE MOXASTERY.' 161
and his pupil, Edward Glendinning, who
firmly beheved of their Church that though
often doomed to death, the ' milk-white hind
was fated not to die.' ^
* Dryden's Hind and Panther.
162 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER Xn.
' THE ABBOT.'
This story is longer, more serious, and per-
haps more carefully written than its prede-
cessor. Many of the same personages, how-
ever, re-appear, though of course older and
in altered positions. The young Glendinning
brothers are now grown men — the oldest.
Sir Halbert, is married to Mary Avenel, who
prefers him to his younger brother, and he is
now high in favour with the Regent Moray.
Edward Glendinning, now called Father Am-
brosius, a monk in Melrose, is chosen Abbot
by the few remaining brethren in place of
the good Abbot Eustace, whose death is men-
tioned, though not described. The reformer,
Henry Warden, is now estabUshed at Avenel
THE ABBOT.' 163
Castle, the residence of Sir Halbert, but he
only appears in the beginning of the story.
The hero is a lively youth, Eoland
Gramme, when a child saved from drowning
by Sir Halbert's dog, Wolf, and then adopted
for some time by his wife the Lady of Avenel.
Eoland's impetuous temper, however, soon
causes quarrels in the household, and he is
dismissed rather hastily. This youth, though
Hving in a Protestant family, is secretly a
Eoman Catholic, and while constantly hearing
Mr. Warden preach is disliked and suspected
by that worthy ; for he, in fact, much prefers
the society and opinions of the Abbot Am-
brosius, his master's brother, who occasionally
visits the Avenel mansion ' with his downcast
eyes, which he never raises to my lady's face.'
When sent off almost in disgrace, Eoland
meets his mysterious grandmother, Magdalen
Grgeme, who, is a devout Eoman Catholic,
and an active plotter against the existing Pro-
testant government of Scotland.
About this time Queen Mary is formally
u2
164 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
deposed and imprisoned in Lochleven Castle,
situated on a small solitary island, in charge
of the Kegent's mother, a stern Presbyterian
lady, who cordially dishkes her royal prisoner.
Meantime, Moray, her illegitimate son by the
late King, together with the Earl of Morton,
rule Scotland in the name of Mary's infant
son James, who was carefully educated in the
Reformed faith. John Knox and his co-
adjutors are now triumphant, often preaching
before these two powerful noblemen. Yet a
great part of Scotland is dissatisfied with this
state of things, and there are frequent plots
and schemes to overthrow the Eegent and
restore Queen Mary to power.
The great question of Mary's guilt or in-
nocence in the murder of Darnley and other
crimes is the chief subject of discussion
and thought throughout this novel. Scott
himself gives no very decided opinion on it,
while intimating rather than declaring his be-
lief in her innocence. At this eventful period
of Scottish history it is indeed difficult to form
'THE ABBOT.' 165
a true estimate of the principal characters.
It is usually said that a true account cannot
be expected from historical novels, which must
of course be, to some extent, fictitious. But
when historians of former times, and even
some Hving in this century, differ so much in
their accounts and opinions, derived from the
same amount of information, the historical
novelist may, pediaps, be excused for occa-
sionally differing from all of them.
Upon the character and motives of Mary
Queen of Scots and the Eegent Moray
especially historians and historical essayists
have always been completely divided, even
to the present day. Eobertson and Tytler,
Strickland and Froude, Aytoun and Macaulay,
all writers of great abihty and research, differ
essentially about them. John Knox and the
Earl of Morton, however, are easier compre-
hended, the first, undoubtedly, honest, con-
scientious, sincere, of stern temper and rigid
fanaticism. Had he been a Roman Catholic,
he would probably have executed heretics as
166 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
willingly as Torqiiemada or the Duke of
Alva.i
He is favourably represented in both ' The
Monastery ' and ' The Abbot ' by his fervent
admirers, Messrs. Warden and Henderson, both
men of ' milder mood ' than their implacable
leader. Morton, afterwards Eegent of Scotland,
seems generally condemned on all sides and
by all writers as a cruel, artful, ambitious man.
Historians and novehsts describe him pretty
much ahke, so that his real character is easily
understood.
The chief interest of ' The Abbot ' centres
in the adventures of young Eoland Grajme,
who, with his grandmother, witnesses the in-
stallation of Father Ambrose as the last Abbot
of Melrose, and also the strange attack on the
Monastery by a band of rioters, who, masked
and disguised, shout obscene songs and bal-
* When Moray became Regent, John Knox highly ap-
proved the following law, then established, ' All heretics and
hearers of mass were made liable to punishment ; confiscation
of moveables being declared the penalty for the first offence,
banishment for the second, and death for the third.' — Tytler's
History, vol. vii.
'THE ABBOT.' 167
lads, against the few hapless monks and their
Church.
This fantastic rioting, however, is inter-
rupted by Sir Halbert Glendinning, the new
Abbot's brother, who though an ardent Pro-
testant, rescues the luckless monks from in-
jury. Among the rioters is an amusing
character, Adam Woodcock, an honest well-
meaning fellow. Sir Halbert's fVdconer, who
joins them, chiefly to protect his master's
brother from any harm. In all this work
Scott makes his readers pity the now op-
pressed Roman Cathohcs, and condemn the
brutal violence with which both themselves
and their sacred edifices were treated. Yet
he often terms their opinions and doctrines
superstitious, evidently siding with the Pro-
testants, though with his usual fairness he
censures their excesses as freely as any
candid Eoman CathoHc could expect. His
pathetic account of the election of Abbot
Ambrosius is a striking proof of Scott's views
on this subject, which no just Protestant
168 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
could condemn, while many reasonable Roman
Catholics would be gratified by it.^
After rescuing the monks from the riotous
mob, Sir Halbert despatches young Roland
with Adam Woodcock to Edinburgh to in-
form his patron, tlie Regent Moray, of what
had occurred. Old Magdalen Graeme, having
consented to this, for a time disappears, while
her grandson, with the old falconer, proceeds
on his interesting journey. His first view of
the Scottish capital, lately the scene of such
terrible events, is one of the most striking
parts of the story. They pass the ruins of
the Kirk of Field, where the King-consort,
Darnley, was so recently murdered, and they
talk only in whispers about it. Bothwell has
escaped from Scotland, and dire suspicion is
^ ' The features of Father Ambrose indeed expressed a
deep melancholy as he walked up the centre aisle, amid the
ruin of things which he considered as holy, but his brow was
undejected, and his step was firm and solemn. He seemed to
think that the dominion which he was about io receive de-
pended in no sort upon the external circumstances under which
it was conferred, and if a mind so firm was acr jssible either to
sorrow or fear, it was not on his own accour^, but ou that of
the Church to which he had devoted himse^ ..' — Oh. xiii.
'THE ABBOT.' 169
now directed against the captive Queen. On
arriving at Edinburgh, they find the city in
some confusion, for though Moray and Morton
are supreme, there occur frequent brawls
and fights, even in the capital, between their
followers and the partisans of the imprisoned
Queen.
In politics Roland and Adam differ, the
former taking part with the Queen, owing to
the united influence of the Abbot, his grand-
mother, Magdalen Graeme, and also young
Catherine Seyton, the sprightly heroine whom
he first meets when travelling with his grand-
mother, and who is enthusiastically in favour
of Queen Mary. The falconer, on the other
hand, dutifully adheres to the political views
of his master, Sir Halbert. When in Edin-
burgh, Adam has a long, confidential chat
with an old friend, now attending on the
Regent, of whom young Roland is awaiting
an audience. In their conversation Scott
describes, in the famihar, easy style of these
shrewd old servants, much of the real state of
170 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Scotland at this time ; and the characters of
Moray and Morton are described in a manner
which is certainly supported by historical
record.^
Roland has an interesting interview with
the Regent, and also overhears an important
conversation between him and Morton, after
which he is sent, rather against his will, to
attend the unfortunate Queen Mary in her
imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Here
again he meets Catherine Seyton, who, with
Lady Fleming, are in attendance on the
Royal prisoner. Both are Roman Cathohcs,
II nd quite devoted to their mistress. Catherine
Seyton, though gay, intelhgent, and devotedly
loyal to the Queen, is not a very interesting
heorine, and from the arrival of Roland at
Lochleven till the end of the book the chief
interest is centred in Mary herself Scott,
^ The aintitioii, talents, and occasional nobleness of Moray,
and tlie artful, suspicious, cruel nature of his odious colleague,
are confirmed by both Robertson and Ty tier ; while Miss Strick-
land describes Moray as a thorouf^h villain ; and Mr. Froude
describes him as an admirable man in almost every respect.
'THE ABBOT.' 171
while describing her remarkable grace and
beauty, cautiously abstains from avowing
behef in either her guilt or innocence ; ad-
miration for her beauty, fortitude, and
talents, with sincere pity for her misfortunes,
are what he earnestly claims for her, while
he seems to shrink from investigating the
awful charges against her, or from pro-
nouncing any decided opinion upon a histori-
cal question which has always divided and
perplexed posterity. This is the more to be
regretted, as few writers were better quahfied,
by knowledge of Scottish character, of Scottisli
liistory, and by consistent love of truth, to
give a valuable opinion. Yet tlie impression
left on the reader's mind is certainly in Mary's
favour, and even in that of her half-brother
and chief opponent also.
With regard to the Eegent Moray, indeed,
Scott and Tytler take much the same view,
that he possessed many good and noble quali-
ties, wliile he was ungrateful to his unfortunate
sister ; that he was sometimes capable of great
172 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
severities, even cruelties ; but that lie was-
usually a wise, and even merciful ruler.
Roland Giseme finds the imprisoned Queen
at Lochleven beset by messengers from the
Regent, requesting her to sign her abdication
in favour of her infant son. This paper is
brought by the Lords Ruthven, Lindesay, and
Sir Robert Melville. According to history,
Lindesay behaved with great rudeness on this
occasion to the helpless Queen, for which
Scott makes him express a blunt, though
sincere apology, which it is to be feared,
however, is Sir Walter's own chivalrous
invention.
The Lady Lochleven is represented in the
novel, and by most historians, as dishking the
Royal prisoner, but her son or grandson's
plan for Mary's escape is in the novel trans-
ferred to Roland Gramme, Catherine Seyton,
and her brave young brother Henry. In tlie
novel young George Douglas first attempts
Mary's deliverance, but fails, and he is driven
from the Castle, even his stern mother order-
'THE ABBOT.' 173
ing the servants to fire upon tlie ' traitor.'
This incident, however, seems an inven-
tion, for young Wilhe Douglas really acted
the part assigned to Eoland, though alhed
with his elder brother, George, whom Scott
describes as in love with the Queen without
his mother's knowledge.
The romantic escape of Mary is narrated
by Scott in his usual graphic manner, and
from all accounts his description is like the
truth.
One remarkable character, Jasper Dry-
fesdale, a domestic servant to the Lochleven
family, is introduced at this time, and attempts
to poison the captive Queen. At this period
her death was openly desired by a few of the
most rigid Presbyterians, some of whom,
following the example of Knox, denounced
her as a murderess deserving of death, and
who, if they did not actually advocate her
assassination, went very near it. Dryfesdale,
however, is an Anabaptist, and speaks with
nearly equal scorn of both Eoman Cathohcs
174 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and Presbyterians. Yet there were few Ana-
baptists at any time in Scotland, and this
sect never took part in any of its religious
or political dissensions. The character and
death of Dryfesdale are described with great
power, though he is evidently Scott's own
invention.
Queen Mary, during imprisonment, ad-
dresses both Lady Lochleven and others in
terms of bitter irony and ridicule, which
Scott declares to have been her habit, even
adding that her execution was finally hastened
by a sarcastic letter she wrote to Queen
Elizabeth when completely in her power, but
later historical researches do not confirm this
statement. From these it appears almost
certain that Mary's execution was caused by
Elizabeth's Ministers without her knowledge,
through fear of her surviving their mistress,
and in that case succeeding, as she lawfully
would have done, to her throne.^
^ See Miss Strickland's last volume of her life of Queen
Mary, in which she cancels her former opinion in the life of
Elizabeth,
THE ABBOT.' 175
The novel ends with the flight of Queen
Mary into England, after her decisive defeat
at the battle of Langside, which is briefly
though most ably described. At this engage-
ment the Abbot Ambrosius again appears
on the scene, and accompanies the fugitive
Queen to the Enghsh border ; he foresees the
danger of her trusting herself to Queen
Elizabeth, and vainly entreats her not to leave
Scotland, for the Abbot naturally suspects
some treachery, when the Sherifi' of Cumber-
land declares his orders are to receive Queen
Mary, but none of her attendants, except
her ladies, into England. Still Mary, who,
apparently, has more confidence in Elizabeth,
persists in taking refuge in England. In this
account Scott steadily adheres to history, and
then concludes his very interesting story by
the marriage of Catherine Seyton to Eoland
Grasme, who is pardoned by the Eegent for
his pohtical conduct, through the influence of
Sir Halbert Glendinning. Scott makes Roland
Greeme become a Protestant, and yet marry
176 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Catherine Seyton, who remains a Eoman
Catholic. This incident is hardly natural
under all the circumstances, and considering
how much involved Eoland has been with
the Eoman Catholic party.
But the novehst's object is thus to make
his hero the welcome heir to his Protestant
relation, Sir Halbert, which, otherwise, he
would not have been. In a few pathetic
hues, Scott describes the death of the Abbot
Ambrosius. This personage (the Edward
Glendinning of ' The Monastery '), though giv-
ing his name to the book, is seldom mentioned,
and takes very little part in the story. Yet
his character is remarkably noble and con-
sistent, and if described at greater length,
would, perhaps, have been one of Scott's
finest creations. Though a man of great
talents, he leads a most retired life, while the
energetic Eeformers are preaching in every
direction throughout Scotland.
It would, indeed, appear at this time that
the Catholic clergy in Scotland were either
'THE ABBOT.' 177
apathetic, or at least displayed far less than
their usual ability and energy in behalf of
the assailed faith. For though Knox and
others like him were resolute, sincere, en-
thusiastic men, they were, perhaps, more
quaUfied to convert and influence the ignorant
than the educated classes. They were earnest
men, of ' rough speech,' blunt manners, for-
ward, intrusive, and often neither well-edu-
cated nor even well-read, except in the Bible.
Yet they found willing ears on all sides ; they
were popular from the first, nor did they
apparently encounter any Eoman Catholic
ecclesiastics of ability, except, perhaps, Car-
dinal Beaton, whose cruelty and Hcentious-
ness were weapons in the hands of his foes.
In Scotland the Catholic Church ap-
parently sunk before the fierce attacks of
sincere, determined, but ignorant men, be-
lieved, encouraged, and supported by all
classes, and the success of Knox and his co-
adjutors was wonderfully complete. Scott, in
both ' The Monastery ' and ' The Abbot ' makes
178 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
most of the clergy — Eoman Catholic and Pro-
testants — sincere, amiable, and well-meaning,
whether of abihty or not. His motive for
this is, perhaps, not to offend any class of his
readers. But, unfortunately, if the disputing
theologians of reality had all resembled the
Abbots Boniface, Eustace and Ambrosius, or
the Protestant preachers, Warden and Hen-
derson, the rehgious dissensions of the period
would have been marked with a more Chris-
tian spirit of charity and forbearance than
the gloomy records of history force us to
beheve.
In all British history there is hardly a
more interesting character than Mary Queen
of Scots, the virtual heroine of 'The Abbot.'
Her whole hfe, from her leaving France in
tears of sorrow, till her execution at Fotherin-
gay Castle, is more like a tragic romance than
real history. Scott, though one of the most
modest, as well as able, of novelists, admits
that he is pleased with his own account of
THE ABBOT
179
her, which he very seldom does.^ Even the
lively description of her at the hawking party
given by the falconer to Roland Grceme, is re-
markably effective and pleasing.^
One of Scott's many amiable quahties is
his dehght in making the higher and lower
classes thoroughly familiar with each other,
without such famiharity ever occasioning pride,
meanness, or impertinence. In this joyous de-
scription, partly founded on fact, as hawking
was Queen Mary's favourite sport, the whole
scene is brought vividly before the reader in
the simple, natural, yet picturesque style of
the enthusiastic old falconer. Scott never de-
scribes Mary in her Enghsli prison ; he leaves
' Preface to Kcnilicorth.
2 ' Look you, Master Roland, she was the loveliest crea-
ture to look upon that I ever savs' with eye, and no lady in the
land liked better the fair flight of a falcon. I was at the great
match on Roslin Moor, between Bothwell and the Baron of
Roslin, and to see her there on her white palfrey, that flew as
if it scorned to touch more than the heather blossom ; and to
hear her voice, as cle ir and sweet as a mavis's whistle, mix
among our jolly whooping and whistling. She will see little
hawking where she lies now — ay, ay — pomp and pleasure
pass away as speedily as the wap of a falcon's wing.' —
Ch. xvii.
180 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
her waving her last farewell to Scotland. It
is in the pages of history we find the last
scenes of her most eventful life depicted in all
their tragic sadness. Perhaps few could have
recognised the lovely, graceful Queen, on that
cold February morning when, crippled with
rheumatism and supported on each side by
assistants, she moved slowly towards the scaf-
fold erected in the great hall of Fotheringay
Castle. Yet even at this crisis her courage
and self-control never left her. With much
the same courteous manner described in ' The
Abbot,' she thus addressed her strict jailer,
Sir Amias Paulet, who assisted her to ascend
the steps that led to the scaffold, ' I thank
you, sir ; this is the last trouble I shall
ever give you.' Then, when the executioners
offered to remove her mantle, she drew back,
requesting them not to touch her, observing,
even with a smile, she was ' not accustomed
to be waited on by such pages of honour.' ^
In these last words the Mary of reahty much
^ Strickland's Life of Queen Mary.
THE ABBOT.' 181
resembles Scott's description — the same calm
heroism was united with a composed gentle-
ness, which her awful history proved had
no connection with either nervousness or
timidity.
182 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER Xm.
' KENILWORTH.'
From Scotland, in the troubled reign of tlie
unfortunate Mary, to England, in the pros-
perous reign of the haughty, triumphant
Elizabeth, was to the historical mind of Scott
an easy and natural transition. He owns to
having some ' Scottish prejudices ' against
the Enghsh Queen, but nevertheless he de-
scribes her more favourably than many histo-
rians both during and since her reign. Yet
the romantic episode which forms the subject
of this beautiful tragedy, is not calculated to
display Ehzabeth to her best advantage. All
impartial historians, with either regret or
scorn, relate how the ' maiden Queen ' flirted
and toyed with many of her most handsome
and agreeable courtiers, while she steadily re-
kexilwortil' 183
tained the services and followed the counsels
of older and wiser men. The remarkable
success with which this extraordinary woman
contrived, as it were, to play off one favourite
against another, amusing herself with both,
while retaining supreme authority over all
ahke, is confirmed by all cotemporary history,
and admirably illustrated in this novel.
The story of Amy Robsart's marriage with
the Earl of Leicester, at one time EHzabeth's
favourite courtier, with her cruel fate, and
the names of her two murderers, Varney and
Foster, are all historical, as shown in the pre-
face. But most of the other characters and
incidents, except the Kenilworth festivities,
are the creations of Scott's fancy, though ahke
rendered natural and probable by his accurate
knowledge of history and human nature.
The story opens with great interest at
an old-fashioned inn near Cumnor Place, a
country seat of Leicester's, though Kenilworth
is his chief residence, and where the Countess
Amy is living in strict seclusion since her
184 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
secret marriage, by his express desire, lest his
patronising Queen's jealousy should be roused
if she discovered his marriage. In reahty,
Lord Leicester was evidently a far worse man
than Scott describes. For the guilt of his
wife's murder rested more upon himself than
on his two subordinates, who, in the novel,
incur almost the whole of it ; Leicester being
represented with many good quahties, though
endowed with strong passions of ambition and
jealousy.
Amy's rejected lover, Edmund Tressihan,
is one of Scott's most interesting heroes in the
httle that is said of him, and he is probably a
fictitious character. He is among the assem-
bled guests at the Black Bear inn, kept by a
good-natured, jovial old landlord, who is un-
pleasantly surprised at the unexpected return
of his giddy, profligate nephew, Mike Lam-
bourne. This Lambourne, though a vrild,
reckless fellow, is by no means a thorough
villain, and eagerly asks about his former wild
associates, most of whom have deservedly
KENILWORTH.' 185
come to grief during his long absence abroad.
Daring these inquiries, Tressihan hears that
one of Mike's associates, a dangerous fellow,
Tony Foster, is still hving and thriving ; that
he resides, a widower with an only daughter,
in Cumnor Place itself, a large old-fashioned
mansion close to the village where they are
carousing ; and also, that he appears to have
the charge of a beautiful lady whom he is
supposed about to marry, who has been seen,
and is described by one of the company. This
singular information interests Tressihan and
Lambourne alike, the former being commis-
sioned by Amy's father. Sir Hugh Eobsart, to
recover his lost daughter, whom he has evi-
dently traced to Cumnor, and now suspects to
be the concealed fugitive ; while the latter,
from mingled curiosity and bravado, declares
he will visit his old comrade, Foster, whether
he wishes to see him or not, and Tressihan
agrees to accompany him. During this con-
versation at the inn, it transpires that Tony
Foster, in the preceding reign of Queen Mary
186 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
Tudor, was a bigoted Eoman Catholic, having
even assisted at the burning of the Protestant
bishops, Eidley and Latimer ; yet, being a
regular time-server, he became a Protestant
in the subsequent reign of Ehzabeth, and is
now bitterly prejudiced against his former
rehgion.
When Tressihan and Lambourne arrive at
Cumnor Place, the latter has a private talk
with Foster, who offers Lambourne a rather
mysterious situation under a certain noble-
man, whose name he withholds, though mean-
ing his master and patron. Lord Leicester.
While they are talking in a private room,
Tressilian is greeted by Amy herself, who
mistakes him for her husband, Leicester,
whose arrival she expects, but, recognising
Tressilian, she refuses either to return with
him to her father, or reveal her secret mar-
riage. Tressihan is then forced to depart, but
in leaving the house he encounters Richard
Varney, Leicester's master of the horse, in
desperate combat, believing him to be either
KENILWOKTH.' 18'
Amy's husband or seducer, and having no
idea she is Leicester's wife.
In describing this duel with rapiers, so
common in former times, Scott seems to take
much interest, as in ' Eob Roy,' ' The Bride of
Lammermoor,' and other stories. This com-
bat, first in fencing, and then in wresthng, in
which the Cornish Tressihan is victorious, is
narrated as clearly as if by an eye-witness.
The reader, however, may be excused for
feehng some disappointment at the villain
Varney being rescued by Lambourne, whom
Varney addresses after Tressilian's departure,
and engages in Leicester's service, though
really in his own. Varney then reveals, in a
remarkable soliloquy, that he both was, and
is still, in love with Amy, whose elopement
with his master he had promoted, and that
he dreads this being known to Leicester, whom
he nominally serves, but in great measure con-
trols, though he of course fears his jealousy.
Amy's dislike to Varney is evident, yet she
takes his advice not to mention Tressihan's
188 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
unexpected visit to Leicester, who soon after
this arrives at Cumnor, stays a very short
time with his bride, and returns to London
with Yarney and Lambourne.
Meanwhile Tressihan sets forth on his re-
turn to Sir Hugh Robsart, at Lidcote Hall, in
Devonshire, but, on his journey, stops to have
his horse shod at a certain farrier's, named
Wayland Smith, to whose abode he is con-
ducted by a shrewd, ugly urchin, Dickie
Sludge, nick-named Fhbbertigibbet. This
farrier is a worthy fellow, practising the two
very different calhngs of blacksmith and physi-
cian, and he reminds Tressihan of a former
professional visit he made to Lidcote Hall in
happier days, when Amy was understood to
be engaged to Tressihan. In company with
this man Tressihan pursues his way to Lidcote
Hall, and finds Sir Hugh very ill, and heart-
broken about liis missing and only daughter,
of whom Tressihan can give no satisfactory
news, for both now beheve her either the wife
KENILWORTH.' 189
or mistress of Varney, having no idea of her
marriage with Leicester.
While at Lidcote, Tressihan hears that his
distinguished friend and patron, the Earl of
Sussex, is dangerously and mysteriously ill in
London. The Earl, a blunt, brave soldier,
was at this time the chief rival of the accom-
phshed and handsome Lord Leicester for the
Queen's favour, and Tressihan instantly sus-
pects that he may have been poisoned by
some of Leicester's unscrupulous followers,
and repairs to London with Wayland Smith,
who, having proved his medical skill by
restorincr Sir Hugh to health, is now en-
gaged and trusted by Tressihan to examine
and enquire into the cause of Lord Sussex's
illness.
On arriving in London they proceed to
Says Court, Sussex's residence, in the hall of
which they are greeted by two gentlemen in
attendance on the Earl. Both of these are
historical characters, though of one — Sir
190 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Nicholas Bloiint — scarcely anything is known ;
but the other, and younger of the two, who
is the personal friend of Tressihan, is no
less a personage than the illustrious and un-
fortunate Sir Walter Raleigh. He is now ' in
the dawn of his Court favour,' and, in appear-
ance and character, not unlike the intelligent
and spirited young hero, Roland Grieme, of
' The Abbot.' Raleigh seems to have possessed,
even in youth, a combination of quahties
and tastes rarely found united in the same
person. Although usually dressed in the
height of the fashion, lively, gay, witty, brave
and courteous, his mind was as profound and
as much inclined to deep reflection and" earnest
thought as that of the wisest philosopher of
his time. Yet, generally speaking, men of
active habits, gay tastes, and lively fancy are
averse to, and indeed unfitted for, the patient
labour of mental study. But not so Raleigh ;
though a man of the first fashion, he was the
reverse of frivolous, with which that social
distinction has been often associated, and as
KEXILWORTII.' 191
qualified to converse with sage philosophers
and learned historians, as to adorn, charm,
and enliven the brilhant Court of Queen
Ehzabeth, of which he became one of the
chief ornaments.^
This rare combination of attractive quah-
ties, in both mind and body, eminently fitted
young Ealeigh to be either the hero of a
romance or the hero's friend. In the latter
capacity, he warmly greets Tressilian, and
they converse earnestly about Sussex's illness,
which is generally suspected to be the result
of poison. Tressihan then introduces Way-
land to Sussex, who firmly trusting Tressilian's
assurance of Wayland's skill and honesty,
swallows his medicine without hesitation.
Wayland, however, from the invahd's symp-
^ ' Raleigh, the soldier, the sailor, the scholar, the courtier,
the orator, the poet, the historian, the philosopher, whom we
picture to ourselves sometimes reviewing the Queen's guard,
sometimes giving chase to a Spanish galleon, then answering
the chiefs of the country party in the House of Commons, then,
again, murmiu-ing one of his sweet love songs too near the ears
of her Hiyhnesss maids of honour, and soon after poring over
the Talmud, or collating Polybius with Livy.' — Macaulay's
Essay on Burleigh and his Times.
192 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
toms, believes he must have been poisoned
by a certain drug called the Manna of St.
Nicholas, for which he, with great difficulty,
had previously procured a special antidote.
Sussex, however, soon recovers after this dose,
but, meantime, the Queen's physician has been
sent to him, and refused admission by young
Ealeigh, who resolves that Tressihan's doctor
shall not be interfered with. Aware that
Elizabeth may take serious offence at her
private physician's rather rude repulse, he
takes the first opportunity of meeting the
Queen, and first attracts her notice by throw-
ing his cloak before her to tread on, as she is
about to enter her State barge upon the
Thames.
This curious incident Scott states to be
historical, and it leads to a conversation be-
tween Elizabeth and Ealeigh, who is allowed
to attend her Majesty on the barge. He then,
with great adroitness, explains the repulse
of the Queen's physician, and contrives to
transfer all the blame upon himself. His
KENILWORTH.' 193
handsome features, pleasing manners, ready
wit, and, above all, the remembrance of
the gallantry he had previously displayed
in the Queen's service in Ireland, dehght
Elizabeth, to the mortification of her older
favourite. Lord Leicester, and the amusement
of the other Courtiers. The conversation in
this interesting chapter, perhaps, represents
Ehzabeth too favourably, but the sketch
of Ealeigh seems very near the historical
reality.
Wlien Sussex completely recovers, his im-
perious sovereign insists on a formal reconcili-
ation at least between him and Leicester, after
which she finds leisure to discuss Tressilian's
petition, to be heard respecting the sup-
posed seduction of Amy Robsart, by Varney.
Leicester, who still dreads reveahng his private
marriage, with suppressed reluctance confirms
the alleged marriage of his wife with his ad-
herent Varney, which is therefore generally
beheved. For at this time, Leicester, as far
as he dares, is paying his addresses to tlic
194 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
Queen, who alternately encourages and re-
pulses him, to the surprise and interest of the
whole Court.
A second sailing on the Thames is dehorht-
fully described, during which the immortal
Shakespeare, then a youth whose verses are
only beginning to attract notice, forms the
subject of conversation. Then the Queen re-
quests, or rather commands, Tressilian, as a
literary man, to repeat some of Shakespeare's
lines, but that luckless hero, being too ab-
sorbed and saddened by the doubtful fate of
his former love. Amy, to do justice to them,
naturally and respectfully refers her Majesty
to Walter Raleigh on the subject. That
brilliant young Courtier immediately repeats
to Elizabeth those celebrated hues in 'Mid-
summer Night's Dream,' which were thought
to refer to herself, and the Queen, while in-
tently listening, drops into the Thames a
petition of a certain game-keeper or forester
against the fascinating young poet, for alleged
deer-steahng. Leicester, Sussex, and others
' KEXILWORTH.' 195
vie with each other in diverting and pleasing
the Qneen, while her older ministers and
counsellors converse apart on matters of more
importance.^
The remarkable success with which this
great queen amused herself with witty con-
versation and even absurd flattery, without
ever neglecting matters of importance — in
short, the way she contrived to mingle most
serious business with even frivolous pleasure,
without detriment to the one, or denying her-
self the other — Scott carefully describes,
though his account is certainly favourable to
her both as a queen and as a woman.
After the enforced reconcihation between
the rival earls, Elizabeth accepts Leicester's
earnest invitation to his castle of Kenilworth,
and insists upon not only Sussex and Ealeigh
* ' Thus passed the conversation during this pleasure voyage,
seconded by the rest of the attendants upon the royal person
in gay discourse, varied by remarks upon ancient classics and
modern authors, and enriched by maxims of deep policy and
sound morality by the statesmeu and sages, vpho sat around
and mixed wisdom with the lighter talk of a female Court.' —
Ch. xvii.
02
196 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLET NOVELS.
coming there, but commands the attendance
of TressiHan, Varney, and his supposed wife,
Amy Robsart, whose story she resolves to in-
vestigate herself, though still believing her
married to Varney.
Ehzabeth greatly rouses Leicester's jea-
lousy, however, by her increasing favour to
Walter Ealeigh, who is taken into her court
from Lord Sussex's household, and heartily
congratulated thereon by his friends and ac-
quaintances. One alone, Nicholas Blount,
says nothing, and when pressed by Ealeigh
to explain his silence, says prophetically that
he fears for him, and that ' these Court tricks
and favours often bring fair fortunes and
fine faces to the acquaintance of dull block
and sharp axes.' The brilUant j^oung courtier
looked after his old friend, 'with an expres-
sion that blanked for a moment his bold and
animated countenance.' It is by such hints
that Scott probably inchnes his more ignorant
readers to refer to history, while reminding
others of forgotten facts.
' KEXILWORTH.' 19'
The long, unjust imprisonment and exe-
cution of Raleigh in the subsequent reign of
James the First, could indeed never have been
foreseen at this moment of youthful triumph
and exultation, but the novelist by such allu-
sions imparts additional interest as well as
information to his fictitious representation.^
The invitations to the magnificent festivi-
ties at Kenilworth are issued as it were jointly
by Ehzabeth and Leicester, the fellow-subject
sohciting, and the Queen commanding ac-
ceptance. TressiHan is surprised to hear from
Way land Smith that he has just caught a
glimpse of his former medical instructor, a
certain old Italian named Demetrius Alasco,
whom he greatly fears as an unscrupulous
poisoner as well as a learned alchemist. It
is to be hoped, however, that the old wretch
' Raleigli's behaviour at execution strongly confirms Scott' "^
description of him in this novel during his earlier days. The
same presence of mind, ready wit, and gay bearing never de-
serted him. ' Having the axe in his hand, he felt along the
edge of it, and smiling said to the sheriif, " This is a sharp medi-
cine, but 'tis a physician for all diseases." ' — Birch's Life of Sir
Walter Raleigh.
198 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Alasco is not meant as an average or fair
specimen of the alchemists. These remark-
able men seem to have belonged to various
nations, and, though never numerous, to have
scattered themselves over a great part of
Europe.^ Alasco explains his pecuhar ideas
more openly to the credulous and compara-
tively stupid Tony Foster, than to the sar-
castic Varney, who regards everything about
him, except his poisoning capabihties, witli
utter contempt. This artful and dangerous
old man accordingly addresses Foster in
beautiful language, which, however, partly
shrouds and partly reveals the most un-
scrupulous designs.^ Alasco is now in the
^ In tlie sixteeiithcentury they occupied themselves in writ-
ing poetry as well as medical experiments (Draper's Europe).
Gibbon says that the darkness of the Middle Ages rather
encouraged the hopes of alchemists, and suggested more spe-
cially acts of deception, but that philosophy, aided by expe-
rience, at length banished the study of alchemy altogether. —
DecUne and Fall, vol. i.
2 ' If by the death of one person, the happy period shall be
brought nearer to us in which all that is good shall be attained
by wishing its presence, all that is evil escaped by desiring its
absence, in which sickness, and pain, and sorrow sliall be the
obedient servants of human wisdom, and made to fly at the
KENIL^YORT^.' 199
pay of Lord Leicester, and being allied with
Varney, who coaxes and threatens the al-
chemist alternately, they ahke impose upon
their patron completely — Alasco pretending
to be an eminent astrologer, while instructed
by the practical Varney that Leicester's danger,
supposed to be revealed by the stars, comes
from the West, which the duped earl readily
believes, as his two rivals in love and ambition,
Tressihan and Ealeigh, are from Cornwall and
Devonshire. He therefore hberally rewards
the old impostor, and arranges with Varney a
plan to keep his wife still in Cumnor, and
thus prevent her revealing the truth to Queen
EUzabeth at the approaching Kenilworth
slipfhtest signal of a sage, in whicli that -whicli is now richest
and rarest shall be within the compass of anyone who shall be
obedient to the name of wisdom, when the art of healing shall
be lost and absorbed in tlie one universal medicine, when sages
shall become monarclis of the earth, and death itself retreat
before their frown, — if this blessed consummation of all things
can be hastened by the slight circumstance that a frail earthly
body, which must needs partake corruption, shall be consigned
to the grave a short space earlier than in the course of nature,
what is such a sacrifice to the advancement of the holy mil-
lennium — the reign of the sages, or rather that of Wisdom
itself?' — Ch. xxii.
200 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
revels ; for througlioiit the whole story-
Leicester is wavering and uncertain, and
completely ruled by his evil genius, Varney.
To promote this arrangement, therefore,
Leicester sends Varney forthwith to Cumnor
requesting, or rather ordering, the Countess
to remain there in strict seclusion. Yarney,
however, despatches Alasco thither before
him, desiring the physician to administer to
the unfortunate Amy a dose of the same kind
which nearly poisoned Sussex, but in a small
quantity, so as to cause a slight illness with-
out endangering Hfe, and thus prevent the
possibihty of the Countess's presence at the
Kenilworth gaieties. All this time, however,
Varney has not entirely abandoned his own
secret love for Amy, which seems the only
weak point in his thoroughly resolute hard-
ened character.
Mike Lambourne accompanies Alasco to
Cumnor, and Wayland, whose hatred of the
alchemist overcomes liis fear of him, boldly
resolves to go there himself, disguised as a
KENILWORTII.' 201
pedlar, the truth being that he himself loves
the Countess Amy's maid, Janet Foster, who,
he fears, may share her mistress's danger,
in the near neighbourhood of this danger-
ous poisoner. Varney remains in London a
short time with Leicester, after Alasco and
Lambourne depart for Cumnor, and seizing
his opportunity, when his ambitious master is
irritated at Amy's letters, entreating to be
acknowledged as his wife, obtains Leicester's
leave to go himself to Cumnor and persuade
the Countess to call herself Lady Varney, for
some time at least. To procure her consent,
Leicester sends her a letter by Varney assur-
ing her that his safety from the Queen's
anger depends on the continued concealment
of their private marriage.
Varney departs for Cumnor, resolving, in
case of Amy's obstinacy, to have her drugged
and made ill, if not actually poisoned, by
Alasco, who, with Foster, awaits his arrival.
When Varney delivers his unwelcome message
to the Countess, she is indignant, and bravely
202 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
defies Varney before Foster, declaring she
cannot believe that Leicester ever sanctioned
her calling herself Varney's wife, while the
latter reveals to Foster that he actually made
love to her on his own account while dehver-
ing his lord's message, and that she now
thinks him in her power, but will find herself
mistaken. He then seeks Alasco, and terrifies
Amy, whose courage soon gives way, into
actually swallowing one of his dangerous
mixtures. The luckless Countess believes
she is really poisoned, but the faithful Janet
Foster summonses Wayland Smith, who, by
an antidote, a second time counteracts Alasco's
medicine. Amy, now finding herself in im-
minent danger from her husband's followers,
resolves on flight, and decides on going to
Kenil worth, and appealing to Leicester him-
self. Janet Foster, who advises this plan,
conjures her lover, Wayland, to escort her
unfortunate mistress on her perilous journey
to her husband's castle. Janet remains at
Cumnor with her father and Varney, pretend-
KEXILWORTH.' 203
ing that lier mistress is confined to her room,
owing to the dose of Alasco, and by thus
warding off suspicion, enables Amy to pursue
her journey undiscovered.
At this time the noble castle of Kenil-
wortli is the scene of splendid festivity, and
graced by the presence of the stately
Elizabeth and her brilhant Court. In every
way, therefore, Amy, the lawful mistress of
the castle, would be unwelcome to her deceit-
ful husband, his jealous Queen, and all his
ambitious faction. Upon arriving disguised
at the castle, she has a chance interview with
her former faithful lover Tressilian, who still
thinks her Varney's wife or paramour, while
Amy, though she now seeks Tressilian's pro-
tection, still withholds from him her secret
marriage with Leicester. They agree that if
within twenty-four hours Amy is not under
safe protection, that Tressilian may then take
any step he chooses for her security, and he
leaves her in his own apartment, from which,
however, she is soon driven by the entrance
204 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and drunken rudeness of the profligate Mike
Lambourne, and she then takes refuge in an ar-
bour in one of the gardens adjoining the castle.
Meanwhile the grand arrival of the mag-
nificent Elizabeth, with her splendid retinue
of courtiers and statesmen, is described in
the most spirited style. Leicester and Varney
are also in attendance, and alike doing the
honours in their diiferent degrees of rank.
Hither also come Nicholas Blount, and Walter
Raleigh, the plain, dull look and manner
of the former contrasting with the gay wit
and brilliancy of his young companion.
During the Kenilworth gaieties, Blount,
Ealeigh, and Varney are all three knighted
by the Queen, who continues to favour and
encourage Leicester, who, with Varney, still
believes that Amy is at Cunmor. Tressihan,
while bound by his promise of silence to
Amy, is puzzled how to act, and soon
after the knighting of the three courtiers,
EHzabeth takes a private walk with Leicester,
to whom she owns her attachment and favour,
but declares her resolve never to marry. He
KE?fILWORTII.' 205
returns alone to the castle after this declara-
tion, and the Queen approaches the arbour
where the Countess is concealed. Here en-
sues a most interesting interview, Amy still
concealing her marriage, while Ehzabeth,
from her confusion, gradually suspects some-
thing hke the truth.
Scott then describes a highly dramatic
scene, when Ehzabetli drags Amy by force
before Leicester and many other courtiers,
sternly insisting upon hearing the whole truth
about her.^ Leicester stands irresolute, but
Varney suddenly appears, and, declaring Amy
is his wife, uncontradicted by the confounded
1 Leicester, at that instant, had been receiving; witli a polite
aflPectation of disavowing and misunderstaiiding their meanincr,
the half-uttered, half-intimated congratulations of the courtiers,
upon the favour of the Queen, carried apparently to its highest
pitch, during the interview of that morning, from which most
of them seemed to augur that he might soon arise from their
equal in rank to become their master. And now, while the
subdued, yet proud smile with which he disclaimed those infer-
ences were yet curling his cheek, the Queen shot into the circle,
her passions excited to the uttermost, and supporting with one
hand, and apparently without an eflbrt, the pale and sinking
form of his almost expiring wife, and pointing with a finger of
the other to her half-dead features, demanded, in a voice that
sounded to the ear of the astounded statesman like the last
trumpet that is to summon body and spirit to the judgment
seat — ' Knowest thou this woman ? ' — Ch. xxxiv.
206 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Leicester, Elizabeth orders her to be conveyed
to a secluded room in the castle, Yarney
stating that she is subject to fits of mental
derangement.
The story from this time assumes all the
aspect of a tragedy, though briglitened and
relieved by gay descriptions of the splen
did Kenilworth festivities, which Ehzabeth's
great popularity, Leicester's immense wealth,
and the natural beauty of Kenilworth itself,
combined to render one of the most splen-
did sights ever recorded in Enghsh history.
Leicester and Varney, however, now take
secret and important counsel together. In
their conversation the reader can trace some
resemblance to the terrific scenes between
Othello and lago. In many ways, indeed,
Varney resembles lago, though, on the whole,
lie is, perhaps, the best of the two, as he
feels occasional remorse, like Milton's Satan,
which yet never influences his conduct, while
Shakespeare's consummate villain seems as in-
capable of any such emotion as the Mepliis-
topheles of Goethe. Leicester also apparently
' KEXILWORTH.' 207
bears more resemblance to Shakespeare's
jealous hero than to the Leicester of reahty.
For a similar reckless jealousy, irresolution,
and final submission of judgment to a su-
bordinate evil genius is evinced by both
characters.
Yarney becomes yet more determined in
his wickedness, by a last interview which
Leicester insists on having with Amy, when
Varney alone is present. Li this afiecting
scene. Amy entreats the avowal of her mar-
riage so toucliingly that Leicester almost con-
sents, and hastily leaving her, has another
long consultation with Yarney, and even
contemplates raising a rebeUion against
the Queen. ^ It is ihen that Yarney excites
^ The Countess thus appeals to Leicester's better feelings in
Scott's most eloquent and moving language : — ' Take your ill-
fated wife by the hand, lead her to the footstool of Elizabeth's
throne. Say that in a moment of infatuation, moved by sup-
posed beauty, of which none now can trace perhaps even the
remains, I gave my hand to this Amy Robsart. You will then
have done justice to me, my lord, and to your own honour, and
should law or power require you to part from me, I will oppose
no objection, since I may then with honour hide a grieved and
broken heart in those shades from which your love withdrew
me. Then have but a little patience, and Amy's life will not
long darken your brighter prospects.'— Ch. xxxix.
208 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
Leicester's jealousy of Amy to such frenzy,
by accusing her of secretly loving Tressilian,
that, maddened between ambition, rage, and
jealousy, Leicester is finally induced to give
his signet ring to Varney, with authority to
remove Amy by force to Cumnor, and even
hints darkly that he will sanction her private
assassination there.
Though, in real history, Leicester was ac-
cused, perhaps with truth, of this dreadful
crime, the Leicester of Scott seems hardly
capable of such sudden changes in so short a
time. For novelist's reasons, however, Scott
resolves to make Leicester as interesting, or
at least as little odious as is consistent with
most violent, vindictive feelings, by transfer-
ring nearly all the odium of his detestable
conduct to his subordinate Varney. In this
attempt Scott is hardly as successful as
Shakespeare, in his somewhat analogous
tragedy of 'Othello.' For when Othello re-
solves on his wife's murder, it is in a moment
of utter despair. He believes and declares his
* KENILWOETH.' 209
whole future life and prospects blasted by
the ruin of his domestic happiness. But
Scott, while representing Leicester as warm-
hearted and generous, is compelled by historic
truth to make him as eager for Ehzabeth's
favour, and as ambitious, as if he had never
loved Amy Eobsart.
Soon after despatching Varney with his
wife's death-warrant, to transport her again
to Cumnor, Leicester again changes his mind,
and hastily sends Lambourne after Varney
with a note, desiring him to do nothing
more respecting the unfortunate countess till
further orders. Leicester's mind is now ab-
sorbed by jealous rage against Tressilian,
whom he is on the point of slaying in a duel,
when complete proof is brought him by
Wayland Smith, and others, of Amy's having
had no intimacy with Tressihan, and of her
complete devotion to himself. Then the im-
pulsive Earl, offering his sword to Tressihan,
tells him he may slay him if he likes, and on
Tressilian's refusal, rushes off to confess his
P
210 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
secret marriage to the Queen, who promptly
despatches Tressihan and Ealeigh after the
unfortunate countess to Cumnor Place.
Ehzabetli's wrath at Leicester's revelation,
though violent, lasts a short time, and soon
changes into cool, cutting sarcasm, under
which Leicester is made to wince severely.
But all these rapid changes in Leicester's con-
duct and feelings are hardly possible, and
prove, perhaps, Scott's difficulty in combining
his own creation vdth the historic reahty.
One of the most effective and powerful
scenes at the close of the story is where
Varney and Foster, having secured the luck-
less countess in Cumnor Place, resolve to
destroy her, or rather induce her to destroy
herself unconsciously, by falhng through a
secret trap-door. Varney, having previously
shot Lambourne dead, when overtaken by
him on the road to Cumnor, hopes to
destroy her safely now, on the strength of
Leicester's words to that effect. Yet before
thinking of the trap-door, he seeks Alasco,
' KENILWORTH.' 211
probably intending to poison the countess
again, but finds the alchemist dead, having
poisoned himself accidentally by inhahng the
fumes of some mixture in his laboratory.
Then Varney and Foster arrange the trap-
door scheme, and finding the terrified Amy
will not leave her room, and expects the
arrival of Leicester, whom, she is told by
Foster, may arrive at any moment, Varney
dexterously imitates the earl's whistle or sig-
nal with which both Amy and he are well
acquainted. Immediately the countess rushes
from her room, and falling through the trap-
door which leads to one of the lower vaults
in the house, is instantly killed.
Immediately after this fatal occurrence,
Tressilian and Ealeigh arrive and seize Varney,
who, finding his villainy discovered and his am-
bitious hopes destroyed, confesses all witliout
fear or remorse, and poisons himself secretly
that night, being found next morning dead
' with the same expression of sneering sarcasm
on his face which was predominant while he
p 2
212 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
lived.' This man's character throughout is
far more consistent than that of Leicester.
He is described as an atheist, while his con-
stant habit of sneering is often mentioned,
Scott stating that a similar expression has
sometimes been given by painters to their
imaginary portraits of Satan himself^
Of all Scott's villains, Sir Eichard Varney
is drawn with the most care and skill, and
though often resembling lago is quite dis-
tinct from him, while arousing his master's
jealousy, over whom he has thorough con-
trol, by very similar means.
The Countess Amy, though her history
^ ' Varney was one of the few — the very few — moral mon-
sters who contrive to lull to sleep the remorse of their own
bosoms, and are drugged into moral insensibility by atheism.'
— Ch. XXX. He partly reveals his extraordinary state of mind
to his stupid, superstitious accomplice, Foster, after the death
of Alasco and Lambourne, and just before tliat of the countess.
He observes, with his usual sneer, to Foster, who, though a
rough, harsh fellow, is not without some touch of conscience,
and is shocked at the other's determined wickedness, 'The
Devil, who thus jades thy imagination, hath had two good sops
of late, and then this other banquet, but thou wilt esteem her
too choice a morsel for the fiend's tooth ; she must have her
psalms, and harps, and seraphs.'— Ch. xli.
' KEXILWORTH.' 213
and fate possess the most absorbing interest,
would not, perhaps, have otherwise been a
particularly interesting heroine. Except in
her last scene with Leicester, when she dis-
plays an energy and nobleness which raise her
above herself, she appears rather vain, if not
frivolous, and hardly worthy of her kind old
father, or her devoted lover Tressihan. But
her tragic fate, and the flashes of heroic spirit
which adversity seems to elicit, secure the
reader's constant sympathy and occasional
admiration.
The end of this splendid novel leaves
Leicester again rising in Elizabeth's favour,
while the unfortunate Tressilian accompanies
Raleigh on his celebrated Virginia voyage and
never returns. Scott's portrait of Elizabeth
is nearly as favourable as that of Mary Queen
of Scots. It can hardly be believed that
either of these illustrious Queens was as con-
sistently noble and highminded as the great
novehst has painted them. It is to be re-
gretted that Scott did not again describe them
214 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
when late in life — Mary languishing in her
Enghsh prison, and Elizabeth really fretting
herself to death, owing to her hasty and fatal
fury against her rebelhous favourite, Lord
Essex. At such trying times, Scott would,
perhaps, have been forced to give very de-
cided opinions on both their characters. But
in the two sketches he has drawn, both
sovereigns are in their best days — Mary es-
caping from her first short imprisonment, and
Elizabeth in the full enjoyment of triumphant
popularity ; and thus briefly describing both
in a most attractive manner, Scott leaves his
readers to form their opinions from the pages
of historians, who to this day are, in many
respects, inconsistent, if not at variance with
each other, owing chiefly to the strong in-
fluence of opposing rehgious and political
feehngs.
THE PIRATE.' 215
CHAPTER XIV.
'THE PIRATE.'
The scene of this story is laid entirely in the
islands of Orkney and Shetland, whither Scott
once made a voyage, which he says inspired
him with the idea of writing this book. The
tale has two heroes and two heroines, of whom
one couple end happily, and the other are
unfortunate. It opens with a picturesque
description of the rocky sea-beaten Zetland
coasts, which are described with such force
and interest — Scott evidently liking the country
— that the reader is pleased and even cheered
by a description which many would have ren-
dered gloomy and depressing.
Tlie date of the story is probably about
the beginning or middle of the last century,
216 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
though one of the chief characters — the old
Zetland landlord — Magnus Troil, rightfully be-
longs, as the author admits, to a more remote
period of history. He is a widower with two
daughters : Minna, the romantic and serious,
Brenda, the merry and hvely heroine of the
book. A reserved, silent stranger, named Basil
Mertoun, with an only son, a handsome youth
named Mordaunt, arrive and take up their
abode in a gloomy old house belonging to
Magnus Troil, nobody knowing anything
about them, or their past history.
Mr. Mertoun is a stern, unhappy man, with
some secret sorrow apparently weighing on his
mind. Yet Scott does not wish to make him
an interesting character : he is cold and harsh
even to his son, who is an amiable contrast to
himself, and soon a great favourite with Mag-
nus Troil and his daughters. The elder
Mertoun is a thorough misanthropist, not in
the sad relenting spirit of the ' Black Dwarf,'
but in stern, sarcastic bitterness. But Magnus
Troil is a joyous, hot-tempered old Zetland er,
'THE PIRATE.' 217
not unlike Cedric in ' Ivanlioe,' always regret-
ting that his country is ruled and inhabited by
Scotchmen, he himself being of old Norwegian
descent, and very proud thereof. His half
crazy kinswoman, Noma of the Fitful Head, is
a sincrular character, somewhat resembhusr Mecf
Merrihes, though with many distinctive points.
Yet Scott admits^ that some readers thought
there was too great a hkeness between the
Scottish gipsy and the Zetland prophetess.
Noma is described as partially insane, wan-
dering constantly about Zetland, beheving she
can control, or at least influence, the winds and
waves ; and liaving completely imposed upon
herself, she has also imposed upon many of
the poor Zetlanders, who view her witli fear
and respect. She is friendly to young Mor-
daunt Mertoun, and much attached to the
Troil sisters, especially to Minna, whose serious
romantic character inclines her to Noma's
gloomy society, which is by no means so
agreeable to her younger sister, Brenda.
^ Preface.
218 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Scott, though writing about Zetland and its
people with evident interest and pleasure, yet
forcibly describes an odious habit of these
selfish islanders, in refusing assistance to
shipwrecked victims on their coasts, partly
from superstition, and partly from hopes of
obtaining whatever property belonging to them
may be thrown ashore. He even mentions
a prayer used among them for heaven ' to
send more wrecks ere winter ' — more fit for
oflering to some heathen deity than to the
Creator of man. Several of the poorer Zet-
landers, such as Bryce Snailsfoot the roguish
pedlar, old Swertha, &c., are adduced as
specimens of these superstitious, heartless
islanders, whom, nevertheless, Scott describes
in a good-humoured style, making them more
amusing and less odious than they would pro-
bably have been in real life.
The conceited Scottish factor, Yellowley,
and his shrewish sister Baby, who settle in
Zetland, trying to introduce Scottish ideas and
improvements, are among the most amusing
I
THE PIRATE.' 219
characters in the book, especially when first
mentioned, during a terrific storm, when un-
wilhngly giving temporary shelter to old Noma,
Mordaunt Mertoun, and the pedlar Bryce.
This Hvely scene displays all these difierent
characters with great force and humour. Al-
though Noma is consistent throughout, she is
an improbable, if not unnatural character. In
her description, Scott evidently had only his
powerful imagination to rely on, whereas in
the somewhat similar characters of Meg Merri-
lies, Magdalen Grseme, and Ulrica, he probably
had some historic foundation. But Noma
seems nearly as imaginary, though not so
poetical as the White Lady of Avenel, and
hardly suited to the time in which she is sup-
posed to five, although consistent throughout.
The Pirate hero himself is rescued from
his shipwrecked vessel by the brave exertions
of Mordaunt Mertoun, with Noma's assistance
and Snailsfoot, the latter being forced to help
in the recovery of the half-drowned man,
thougli longing to rob him while unconscious,
220 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and leave liim to the waves. In this design,
however, he is prevented by the threatened
curse of Noma, which even this sharp trades-
man fears may ' injure his trade through the
isles.'
"When the Pirate recovers he calls himself
Captain Cleveland, states that he is the sole
survivor of the crew of the ' Eevenge,' which
had been wrecked on a promontory called the
Sumburgh Head, but gives httle further ac-
count of himself He is handsome and young,
rather blunt in manner ; nor is he sufficiently
grateful to his gallant rescuer, Mordaunt,
although presenting him with a handsome
foreign gun in requital. This weapon, with
some money, clothes, and pistols, are saved
from the plundering Zetlanders by the influ-
ence of Noma, and restored to Cleveland.
This adventurer soon knows the Troil family,
and there ensues a mutual attachment between
him and Minna, while Br end a prefers Mor-
daunt. Why this comfortable arrangement
could not have lasted to the satisfaction of all
THE PIRATE.' 221
parties concerned is not very clearly told, but
partly througli the gossip of the sly pedlar
Bryce, and partly through Cleveland's selfish
jealousy, Magnus Troil and Minna are soon
prejudiced against Mordaunt, while Brenda is
much under their control. Noma, who,
though hving a soUtary life, loves this family,
with whom she is distantly related, and who
gets information about everything in Zetland,
warns Mordaunt not to let himself be sup-
planted by this doubtful stranger. Mordaunt
accordingly goes uninvited to a somewhat
boisterous entertainment at old Magnus Troll's,
and finds Cleveland the honoured guest, in
high favour with the company, while paying
marked attentions to Minna Troil, who seems
much captivated by him. This intimacy
greatly astonishes Mordaunt, owing to the
vast contrast between the imaginative, refined
Minna, and the bold, free-and-easy, even rough
Captain Cleveland.
Upon the subject of people often liking, if
not loving, their contrasts, Scott makes some
222 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
philosophical remarks, rather delaying the
course of the story, which he rarely does.^
Mordaunt vainly tries to discover what unin-
tentional offence he has given to the Troils,
though Cleveland is still friendly towards him,
at least in manner. Scott here introduces a
Zetland poet, or lover of poetry, a certain
whimsical old man, Claud Halcro, not a very
amusing or interesting guest of Magnus Troil,
who is constantly praising and repeating Dry-
den's verses. This admiration for Dryden
seems rather unhkely among the inhabitants
of Orkney and Zetland, as has been remarked,^
but Halcro evidently amuses Scott himself,
who often introduces him, and nearly always
^ * For what a world were it if oialy the wise were to in-
termarry with the wise, the learned with the learned, the
amiable with the amiable, nay, even the handsome with the
handsome ? and is it not evident that the degraded castes of
the foolish, the ignorant, the brutal, and the deformed (com-
prehending by very far the greater portion of mankind), must,
when condemned to exclusive intercourse with each other,
become gradually as much brutalised in person and disposition
as a party of ourang-outaugs.' — Ch. xiii.
* Shaw's Manual of English Literature.
'THE PIRATE.'
quoting Dryden, though he takes httle part m
the story.
The singular festivities at Magnus Troil's,
and the spirited description of the whale fish-
ing, occupy the middle of the story, in which
most of the characters are brought together,
while Mordaunt remains out of favour without
knowing why, and Cleveland is equally admired
by host and company. The Scottish factor,
Yellowley, vainly tries to recommend Scottish
farming and Scottish ways to Magnus Troil,
who is as obstinately attached to old customs
as the other is conceited and forward in advo-
cating new ones. Cleveland, however, is much
more inchned to quarrel with Mordaunt than
seems natural, considering his reciprocated
love for Minna, and Mordaunt's equally reci-
procated love for Brenda. In the midst of
these festivities and half-suppressed disputes,
the cunning pedlar, Bryce, comes bringing
news of a strange ship just arrived at Kirk-
wall, no one knowing exactly to what country
she belongs. As Bryce himself saw the vessel
224 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
and some of the crew, Cleveland recognises,
from his description, a consort of his own lost
ship, and resolves to go to Kirkwall and see
his former comrades. Meanwhile, Noma re-
veals, to the interest of Minna and terror of
Brenda, part of her own sad history — that she
had married young, and been deserted by her
husband, and, moreover, had been the unin-
tentional cause of her own father's death.
This strange revelation is made at night,
and seems to explain the cause of her deranged
mind ever after. After this scene the sisters
have a remarkable conversation together, in
which Minna admits her love for Cleveland,
whose daring adventures, as he narrates them,
recall to her romantic, fanciful mind the
naval exploits of her own remote ancestors,
who called themselves sea-kings, and whose
deeds, though not recorded in regular history,
had been transmitted through old legends and
verses to her from childhood, and chiefly by
Noma herself. Leading a most secluded life,
it is not, perhaps, improbable that Minna
'THE PIRATE.' 225
should have been thus mistaken in her ad-
mirer ; but it is doubtful, indeed, if not impos-
sible, that there ever was, or could be, a pirate
with so many good quahties as Cleveland.
For of all violators of laws — divine and human
— pirates have always been among the most
desperate, unscrupulous, and least deserving
of pity. ^
Every civihsed nation has enacted and en-
forced most severe laws against them, and in
the course of history, while penalties for most
offences, moral and pohtical, have been gener-
ally mitigated, those against these desperate
men have remained unchanged. Cleveland,
before leaving Zetland for Orkney, to some
extent reveals to Minna his real profession,
" Yet a pirate's wild life seems to have some attrac-
tions, even for the grave and serious historian, Mr. Hallam :
' A pirate, in a well-armed, quick-sailing vessel must feel, I
suppose, the enjoyments of his exemption from control more
exquisitely than any other freebooter, and, darting along the
bosom of the ocean, under the impartial radiance of the
heavens, may deride the dark concealments and hurried flights
of the forest robber. This occupation, is, indeed, extinguished
by the civilisation of later ages or confined to distant climates.'
— Middle Ayes, vol. iii.
226 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
watching the effect he produces, and of course
withholding a good deal about it. Minna,
however, hears or guesses enough to disap-
point and even shock her, and though her love
for Cleveland remains, she expressly declares
that henceforth she must love him ' as a peni-
tent, and not as a hero.' Soon after this in-
teresting scene, Cleveland and Mordaunt en-
counter each other, late in the evening, when
the former is singing a love song under the
windows of Minna and Brenda. Cleveland
wounds Mordaunt, who is unarmed, and Minna
is terrified next morning at seeing marks of
blood near the spot ; her sister, who never
awoke, knows and suspects nothing ; but
though Minna does not reveal her fears, they
prey so incessantly on her sensitive mind as to
injure her health. Meanwhile, both Cleveland
and Mordaunt disappear, the former going to
Kirkwall, while the latter is secretly borne off
and nursed by Noma. Magnus Troil, alarmed
at his daughter's depression, consults Noma,
who, in a remarkable scene, fastens a charm
'THE PIRATE.' 227
round Minna's neck, and while doing so reveals
to her, in hasty and vague hints, which few
understand, that neither Cleveland nor Mor-
daunt are slain, after which news Minna rapidly
recovers.
Meantime, the elder Mertoun hears that
only Noma can tell him about his lost son,
and accordingly has a singular interview with
her in a sohtary churchyard. Here Noma,
evidently knowing his real name and history,
though he seems to have forgotten her, tells
him that at Kirkwall he will hear news of his
son.
The scene then changes to Orkney, where
Cleveland rejoins the crew of his lost vessel's
consort, and is moodily consulting his chief
adherent, Bunce, an amusing stage-struck sort
of amateur pirate, who persists in styHng him-
self Frederick Altamont. He is a brave, hvely,
good-hearted fellow, and sincerely attached to
Cleveland, Both appear, however, utterly un-
fitted for their imaginary positions, for two
such pirate captains surely never existed at
Q 2
228 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
any time or in any country. With these two
fanciful, pleasing characters, Scott hkes to
amuse himself and his readers ; but to prove
that he knows thoroughly what the real pirate
article is he soon introduces some genuine and
thoroughly natural ruffians, Gofie, Hawkins,
and Derrick, whose conduct and language are
probably founded on evidence derived from
the actual records and trials of similar des-
peradoes.
Captain Goffe is Cleveland's rival, the older
pirates preferring him, while the younger set,
headed by Bunce, incline to Cleveland. Goffe
is said to be ' a sketch of consummate merit,' ^
and so he probably is, of the pirate crew ; but
whether even among them he would have
been chosen as leader or have been fit for the
post, seems doubtful enough. He is a surly,
drunken ruffian, with a certain amount of low
cunning, but apparently not possessing a single
quahty to raise him above his comrades. Even
the boatswain, Hawkins, though a coarse,
^ Shaw, English lAterature.
'THE PIRATE.' 229
swearing ruffian, seems to have rather more
sense than his commander.
The scene on the pirate vessel when the
rival captains confront each other, surrounded
by their respective adherents, is one of the
most spirited and natural in the whole book.
Just before this scene, however, Cleveland in-
flicts a well-deserved beating on the rogue,
Bryce Snailsfoot, whom he and Bunce meet at
Kirkwall fair, where the pedlar is actually
seUing some of Cleveland's clothes and other
property, which the latter recognises and de-
mands. Bryce, however, cunningly keeps him
waiting with false excuses, while he secretly
sends for the constables, hoping that Cleveland
may lose temper and break the peace, so that
he may continue selhng the stolen goods. He
is the more confident in his roguery as all
these pirates are suspected and dishked by the
Kirkwall people from their insolent conduct
and language whenever they land. However,
Cleveland losing temper a Httle too soon, has
time to bestow some heavy blows on Snails-
230 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
foot, when the constables interrupt the assault
by arresting Cleveland, and amid the applause
of the Kirkwall inhabitants, drag him off to-
wards the jail, while Bunce makes his escape
to the shore. Here he summonses some of the
pirates to the rescue of their j^oung Captain,
which they speedily accomplish, and bear him
away in triumph to their ship. This daring
rescue, though briefly described, is for its
length the most spirited incident in the whole
book. The scene appears really to pass before
the eyes of the reader, as if most graphically
described by a recent eye-witness.^
It is difiicult to help feeling relief at Cleve-
^ 'They [the pirates] now appeared on the scene — fierce
desperadoes, as became their calling — with features bronzed by
the tropical sun, under which they had pursued it. They
rushed at once among the crowd, laying about them with their
stretchers, and forcing their way up to Cleveland, speedily de-
livered him from the hands of the officers, who were totally
unprepared to resist an attack so furious and so sudden, and
carried him off in triumph towards the quay, two or three of
their number faciug about, from time to time, to keep back the
crowd, whose efforts to rescue the prisoner were the less
violent that most of the seamen were armed with cutlasses
and pistols. They gained their boat in safety, and jumped
into it, carrying along with them Cleveland, to whom circum-
stances seemed to otl'er no other refuge, and pushed off for their
THE PIRATE.' 231
land's rescue, even by such desperate associates,
yet Scott has no idea of making real pirates
attractive. The most excitable juvenile could
find nothing to admire in the scene among the
pirates after Cleveland's rescue. In their con-
ference, Cleveland and Bunce are complete
contrasts to all around, being evidently ideal
characters, while the rest are only too natural,
and precisely what might be expected from
their habits and way of hfe.
It seems impossible that men possessing the
high quahties of Cleveland and Bunce could
have hved among such comrades, or exercised
the least authority over them. A certain
Dick Fletcher, however, is a slight improve-
ment on his comrades, and as devoted to
Bunce as the latter is to Cleveland, and even
vessel, singing in chorus to their oars an old ditty, of which
the natives of Kirkwall could only hear the first stanza : —
" Robin Rover said to his crew,
Up with the black flag,
Down with the blue ;
Fire on the main top,
Fire on the bow ;
Fire on the gun deck.
Fire down below." '— Ch. xxxvii.
232 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
he seems out of place among such desperate
villains as the rest. Scott evidently wishes
both Cleveland and Bunce to interest his
readers, and yet to be pirates, as it were,
by chance ; but he is equally resolved not
to make a pirate's life the least attractive
even to the most excitable of youths. Some
gifted authors without his sound sense and
morality, would have described this pirate
crew as brave, dashing, agreeable fellows,
perhaps a httle careless about the rights of
property, yet still highly attractive and ro-
mantic, but Scott has no such idea of violating
truth. Cleveland and Bunce are his own
pure inventions, and he has a perfect right to
represent them as he pleases, and he certainly
succeeds in making them utterly unhke their
associates, whose repulsive conduct and lan-
guage are described, though briefly, yet as
plainly and naturally as if derived from some
poHce report.
After Cleveland's rescue a private council
is held among the pirates, anxious to obtain
'THE PIRATE.' 233
provisions from the Kirkwall people, who
are suspicious, and averse to having any
intercourse with such doubtful customers. It
is now stated also that an Enghsh ship, the
'Halcyon,' Captain Weatherport, is fast ap-
proaching the Orkneys, and it is absolutely
necessary to lay in supphes on board the
pirate vessel, before she can take to flight.
For this purpose, Cleveland again goes to
Kirkwall with GofTe, and remains three days
as a hostage, while the Kirkwall folks pitch
upon the luckless Scottish factor, Yellowley,
as a fit hostage to return with Goffe to the
pirate vessel. This is a very amusing scene,
ending in Gofie sHly releasing the terrified
Yellowley, and immediately trying to supplant
Cleveland among his associates.
Meantime Magnus Troil, with his daughter
and Halcro, are captured in a boat by Bunce,
Fletcher, and other pirates, and though
these gentry behave with some degree of
civility, they yet fall very far short of the
romantic sea-kings of poor Minna's powerful
234 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
imagination. She hears, however, of Cleve-
land's danger in Kirkwall, and being released
with her sister, she hastens thither, while
Bunce retains her father and Halcro as
hostages for Cleveland's safety. The meeting
between Bunce and Halcro, two stage-struck
oddities, amateur poet, and amateur pirate, is
clever and amusing, though both seem placed
in very improbable situations. Minna then
has an interview with Cleveland in the Kirk-
wall prison, and finding she cannot procure
his release in exchange for her father, en-
treats Cleveland to muffle himself in her cloak
and escape, while she remains in his place.
At this moment. Noma, who is almost as
mysterious and potent as a fairy queen,
appears, and forbidding Cleveland and Mnna
ever to meet again, ridicules Minna's plan of
disguising Cleveland, but engages to dehver
him herself, which she does, and Minna
departs. Noma secretly conducts Cleveland
from the prison, and has a long interview
with him, vainly trying to make him abandon
'THE PIRATE.' 235
all thought of marrying Minna, whom she
wishes to wed her favourite, Mordaunt Mer-
toun, now recovered by her care from the
wounds inflicted by Cleveland. Wlien the
latter rejoins his wild associates, he finds
them busily engaged trying to lay in stores
for their coming voyage, which they find
hard to obtain from the distrustful people of
Kirkwall, and they long to be off as soon as
possible, dreading the expected arrival of the
' Halcyon.' Cleveland, however, resolves to see
Minna again before leaving these islands, and
has a last interview with her near Kirkwall.
Mordaunt Mertoun now reappears com-
manding some soldiers or sentinels to defend
Kirkwall from any attack of the pirates, and
is horrified at hearing from Brenda of the
intended meeting between her sister and
Cleveland. He resolves, however, to permit it
without attempting to arrest Cleveland, which
he at first desired. Meanwliile, Bunce forms a
plan, which in real Hfe would have been an
utter absurdity, to accompany Cleveland with
236 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
a band of pirates, wait patiently till their
conversation is over, and then carry them
both off by force to the pirate vessel. Cleve-
land is ignorant of this friendly plot, and
while parting from Minna, Bunce and his
followers rush upon them, while about the
same time Mordaunt Mertoun and his soldiers
appear, and a strange scuffle ensues, in which
Cleveland shoots one of his followers, and he
with Bunce and Fletcher are captured and
lodged in IQrkwall jail, where Fletcher dies
of his wounds, and Cleveland and Bunce
are alone together. They soon perceive from
their prison window the arrival of the
' Halcyon,' which immediately gives chase to
the pirate vessel. A desperate sea fight
ensues, which Scott describes, however, very
briefly, though he might have made much
more of it. But he is apparently embarrassed
at the close of this story, by having placed
imaginary pirates in an interesting situation,
while resolved that his readers shall feel no
sympathy for those who really represent so
THE PIRATE.' 237
dangerous a class. Instead, therefore, of
making Cleveland and Bunce die bravely-
defending their vessel, he suffers them merely
to witness her destruction from their prison,
and then brings them together with the cap-
tured crew before Captain Weatherport and
the Kirkwall magistrates.
Meanwhile, the elder Mertoun has had
another interview with Noma, reveahng to
her that Cleveland is their son, instead of
Mordaunt, as Noma had hitherto believed.
This secret marriage between Mertoun and
Noma is only obscurely hinted at till this
interview,^ when Mertoun confesses that after
deserting her, he married a Spaniard by
whom he had young Mordaunt, but whose
faithless character made him doubt if Mor-
daunt was really his son. Mertoun, whose
real name is Yaughan, hints that he either
killed this woman or her paramour, and had
^ According to Noma's previous statement to Mordaunt,
she had been married to his supposed father by some ancient
Norse ritual, not by form of any Christian Church. — Ch.
xxxvii.
238 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
to fly from America in consequence. He
then became a pirate himself, and involved
his elder son Clement Cleveland or Vaughan
in the same desperate career. Noma, who
had previously sent to Captain Weatherport
to hasten his pursuit of the pirate vessel,
now believes that she has either caused or
hastened the probable execution of her un-
known son, and overcome by this idea, faints
away while Vaughan rushes off to try and
save the unfortunate pirate.
He finds Cleveland and his associates
before Captain Weatherport and the Provost
of Kirkwall, and, confessing his real name of
Basil Yaughan, entreats that he, the old
pirate, may suffer in place of the young one.
Captain Weatherport, however, assures him
that his own hfe is now safe 'under two
proclamations of mercy,' and on referring
to some valuable papers, finds that Cleveland
and Bunce had on one fortunate occasion
saved the daughters of a Spanish nobleman
from the brutahty of their followers. This
THE PIRATE.' 239
one good action had caused special inter-
cession to be made by tliis Spanish gentleman,
the Governor of Quempoa, to save the hves '
of these two in the probable event of their
future capture.
Thus, while the rest of the pirates are sent
to London to be tried and probably executed,
as is clearly hinted, Cleveland and Bunce
enter the British navy and sail for the West
Indies under Captain Weatherport, who thinks
he can turn their knowledge of these coasts
and seas to the public service. Cleveland is
killed some years after, while IVIinna dies un-
married. Brenda specially devotes herself to
the care of Noma, whose insane delusions are
made gradually to yield to religious thoughts
and convictions. Mertoun, alias Vaughan, is
supposed to enter a foreign convent, while
Mordaunt and Brenda marry, and of course
hve happily. It has often been said that the
famous story of Eobinson Crusoe has turned
many boys into sailors, or at least greatly
increased a natural fancy for the naval pro-
240 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
fession. Also that the tale of Jack Sheppard
has incHned many idle or excitable youths
to acts of robbery. But certainly Scott's
' Pirate ' could never inchne anyone to admire,
or even extenuate, a hfe of piracy.
The pirate hero himself is constantly re-
gretting his sad fate in Hving among such
hateful associates, who have, indeed, nothing
in common, except courage, with him or
Bunce. That Scott might have made his
story more interesting by causing Cleveland
to die defending his ship, is probable, but
such a fate might have had no good effect
among some of his younger readers. For
there is nothing more dangerous to the public
interest than when able writers attempt to
make criminals attractive, or even interesting
as such. This dangerous mistake is eloquently
censured by Mr. Dickens, who takes such
special care that his thieves should attract no
one, but, on the contrary, be represented in
their true nature.^ And though Scott draws
* 'I had read of thieves by scores, seductive fellows
THE PIRATE.' 241
a pirate hero, he carefully distinguishes him
throughout from his savage associates in feel-
ing and sentiment, finally making him witness
their capture with little sympathy, and even
serve loyally under the same officer who
effects it.
Thus terminates this remarkable and ori-
ginal story, the scene being laid so entirely in
the Orkney and Zetland Isles, among pirates,
whale fishing, sea storms, and Zetlanders, that
the reader seems to inhale the fresh sea
breeze from the pages in which Scott's genius
has invested even these barren, remote islands
with such new and peculiar interest.
(amiable for the most part), faultless in dress, plump in
pocket, choice in horseflesh, bold in bearing, fortunate in gal-
lantry, great at a song, a bottle, a pack of cards, or a dice-box,
and fit companions for the bravest. But I had never met (ex-
cept in Hogarth) with the miserable reality. It appeared to
me that to draw a knot of such associates in crime as really do
exist would be to attempt something which was greatly needed,
and which would be a service to society, and therefore I did it
aa I best could.' — Preface to Oliver Twist.
242 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WA^^RLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER XV.
'THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.'
This story possesses much historical interest
in the reign of James I., the scene being laid
entirely in London. The hero, Nigel, Lord
Glenvarloch, is, however, a young Scottish
nobleman, whose ancestral property is mort-
gaged, and in danger of falling into tlie cove-
tous hands of James's chief favourite, the gay,
profligate Duke of Buckingham. Nigel for-
tunately meets with a useful friend in George
Heriot, an honest London goldsmith, an his-
torical character, and often with the King,
to whom he frequently lends money. Scott
describes James at some length, and calhng
him the ' gentle King Jamie,' gives a better
THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.' 243
account of liim than is furnished by most liis-
torians
When Nigel arrives in London, attended
by Eichie Moniplies, a quaint, faithful, Scot-
tish servant, he is befriended in his petition to
the King by Heriot and a more powerful in-
tercessor, the brave and upright old Lord
Huntinglen, another Scottish nobleman, who
accompanied the King from Scotland, and is
always about his person. The strange state
of London at this period is described with
great force, and probably with equal truth,
by so well-informed a writer. The firm rule
of EUzabeth had now ceased, and in part of
London — Whitefriars, then called Alsatia —
tlie lawless population were almost indepen-
dent of any law except of their own making.
^ ' James was deeply learned without possessing useful
knowledge, sagacious in many indiYidual cases without having
any real wisdom, fond of his power and desirous to maintain
and augment it, yet willing to resign the direction of that and
of himself to most unworthy favourites,' &c. Scott concludes
his long description by quoting the rather puzzling opinion of
the celebrated French Marshal, Sully, that he was * the wisest
{i.e. most learned) fool in Christendom.' — Oh. v.
R 2
244 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
In this dissolute haunt cut tliroats, dueUists,
thieves, and villains of all sorts found a toler-
ably safe refuge. Here they elected a sort
of mock king or duke among themselves,
and occasionally bade virtual defiance to the
Government.
The EngHsh, or rather British, Court, at
this time seems to have been frivolous and
dissolute, which was the more strange as King
James lived a steady life, while his son and
heir apparent. Prince Charles, destined to ac-
quire a melancholy celebrity, was remarkably
strict in his habits. Over both father and
son, however, the licentious Buckingham and
others like him exercised considerable influ-
ence, and London was now the scene of
frequent brawls, duelhng, and profligacy.
James's dread of persecution by Scottish men
and Scottish petitions is amusingly described
and strictly true ; yet Nigel succeeds in ob-
taining an interview with the King, who is
well-disposed towards him, but misled and
misinformed by both Buckingham and the
'THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.' 245
chief villain of the story, the gay, fashionable
young Lord Dalgarno, only son of Lord
Huntinglen, but a thorough contrast to his
honest and honourable father. Dalgarno is
one of the most dangerous and carefully
described of Scott's villains, excepting Yar-
ney, whom he somewhat resembles. The
way he first acquires Nigel's confidence, by
taking him to theatres and gaming-houses
under friendly pretences, while injuring him
and defaming him all the time, is described
with great clearness and force. For a little
while, indeed, the reader is uncertain if Dal-
garno is not a second hero. Everything about
him seems attractive and pleasing. He is
about Nigel's age, and in many ways they
appear well suited to each other, as two
young Scottish nobles in London, the one a
total stranger, the other comparatively well
acquainted with all the pleasures and perils of
a town life. But though young in years,
Dalgarno is indeed old in craft, deceit, and
hardened villainy, to an extent that surely is
246 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
uncommon, though probably not unnaturaL
Nigel is first warned against him by his faith-
ful follower, Eichie, and also by the young
heroine, Margaret Eamsay, daughter of a
London watchmaker of old Scottish descent.
Neither hero or heroine of this story, however,
thoug-h both amiable, are amonj? the most
striking of Scott's heroes and heroines, and
are by no means the most interesting charac-
ters in the book.
After Nigel detects and quarrels with Dal-
garno, who has many friends about the Court,
he takes refuge in the house of an old miser,
named Trapbois, who hves with an only
daughter in Whitefriars, then called Alsatia.
The description of the miser and his daughter
in their lonely house, which, though barred
and secured, is in constant danger from thieves,
is a very striking part of this powerfully-
written, though rather gloomy story. As
might be expected in Alsatia, the old miser
is at length attacked and murdered in this
desolate house during midnight, by robbers,
'THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.' 247
whom he knows and thinks he can outwit, but
who watch their opportunity to rob and kill
him, as his daughter, Martha, had often anti-
cipated. This scene of the old miser's murder
is perhaps the most effective in the whole
book. It occurs while Nigel is lodging in the
house, who bravely shoots one of the robbers,
while the other, a notorious bully and thief,
named Colepepper, makes his escape.^
Although the fictitious characters in this
work are chiefly described, that of young
Prince Charles seems natural and consistent.
1 'Perplexing and troubled thouglits rolled on Nigel's
mind like a troubled stream, and the more he laboured to lull
himself to slumber the farther he seemed from his object. He
tried all the resources common in such cases, kept counting
from one to a thousand until his head was giddy ; he watched
the embers of the wood-fire till his eyes were dazzled ; he
listened to the duU moaning of the wind, the swinging and
creaking of signs which projected from the houses, and the
baying here and there of a homeless dog, till his very ear was
weary. Suddenly, however, amid this monotony came a sound
which startled him at once — it was a female shriek. He sat
up in his bed to listen, then remembered he was in Alsatia,
where brawls of every sort were current among the unruly
inhabitants. But another scream, and another, and another,
succeeded so close, that he was certain, though the noise was
remote and sounded stifled, it must be in the same house with
himself.'— Ch. xxiv.
248 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
He is represented a thorough contrast to his
mean, timid, pedantic father, yet his portrait
is not altogether pleasing. He is cold, proud,
and obstinate, though willing and anxious to
do strict justice. In most of his historical
novels Scott makes his characters allude to
both past and future times, evidently wishing
to turn the reader's attention to historical
study through the medium of fiction. In
Chapter xxvii., King James prophesies, in
quaint, expressive words, the coming troubles
in England to his ill-fated son, who hstens
with the disdainful incredulity natural to his
courageous, yet obstinate character.^
^ 'Ye are laughing, "baby Charles. Mind what I say.
When I came here first frae our ain country, where the men
are as rude as the weather, by my conscience England was a
hieldy hit ; one would have thought the King had little to do
but to walk by quiet waters. But, I kenna how or why, the
place is sair changed. The dragon's teeth are sown, baby
Charles ; I pray God they bearna their armed harvest in your
day, if I should not live to see it. God forbid I suld, for there
will be an awful day's kemping at the shearing of them.' ' I
shall know how to stifle the crop in the blade, ha, George ? '
said the Prince, turning to the Duke of Buckingham, with a
look expressive of some contempt for his father's apprehen-
sions, and fully confident in the superior firmness and wisdom
of his own counsels.
'THE FOETUNES OF NIGEL.' 249
The profligate yet generous Buckingham
appears somewhat to advantage beside Dal-
garno, who has all the duke's vices without a
single redeeming quality. The heroine, Mar-
garet Eamsay, though she bravely assists Nigel
at great personal risk, is not particularly
attractive. She is apparently too familiar
with a certain Dame Ursula Suddlechop, an
intriguing woman, artful and unscrupulous ;
who is often mentioned, and is meant, perhaps,
to resemble the notorious Mrs. Turner, whom
she describes as her former ' patroness,' and
who was executed for a most deliberate mur-
der. Mrs. Suddlechop indeed stops short of
any such crime, but her character and conver-
sation induce the reader to beheve her capable
of almost anything evil. The real character
of this odious woman is clearly revealed in her
strange interview with the young 'prentice,
Jin Vin, who temporarily, at least, broken-
hearted at Miss Eamsay 's rejection of him, ap-
peals to old Mother Midnight, as he calls her,
for assistance or consolation. This scene is
250 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
both coarse and violent it must be owned, yet
it well displays the character and feelings
of the bold but silly young dupe, and the
mingled cunning and fierceness of Dame Ur-
sula. Yet it is to this personage, certainly not
any heroine's ' best companion,' that Margaret
reveals her love for Nigel, whom she knows is
in danger from many powerful enemies about
the court. Dame Ursula thinks and hopes
that she is attached to one or other of the
'prentices. Tuns tall and Vincent, and vainly
tries to dissuade her from interesting herself
about an unfortunate, poor, and penniless
Scottish nobleman, while Margaret scornfully
repudiates the idea of ever loving either of
her father's apprentices.^
' ' Heard ever anyone of a watclimaker's daughter falling
in love with a nobleman ! ' exclaimed Ursula ; ' and a Scottish
nobleman, to make the matter 'worse, who are all as proud as
Lucifer and as poor as Job. ... Well, but cheer you up,
Mistress Margaret ; if he has come up [from Scotland] a cater-
pillar, like some of his countrymen, he may cast his slough
like them and come out a butterfly. So I drink good night
and sweet dreams to you in another parting cup of sack, and
you shall hear tidings of me within twenty-four hours.' —
Ch. viii.
' THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.' 251
Although Margaret Ramsay's only object
in consulting this woman is to obtain her
assistance in behalf of Nigel, she is a dan-
gerous associate, and even Margaret distrusts
her while treating her with strange, and to
all appearance unbecoming, familiarity. The
description of London at this period is most
interesting throughout this tale, and the ficti-
tious characters are as natural as if Scott had
really known them. Old Mr. Eamsay's hvely
'prentices, Tunstall and Jin Yin, the young
Templar Lowestoft, and the murderous bully,
Colepepper, are all types of London characters
probably common at this time.
In this story, however, the Scotch are
nearly all good characters, both of high and
low degree, except Dalgarno, who, however,
scornfully repudiates Scotland and Scottish
ways altogether. King James and Eichie
Moniphes, indeed, much resemble each other
in their language and style of talking. Lord
Huntinglen is a noble old Scottish gentleman,
while his wicked son is a thorouo-h fashionable
252 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
' man about town ' of the period, though an
evil specimen of a usually harmless, though
perhaps frivolous class. The story of his in-
jured wife. Lady Hermione, takes the reader
by surprise. It is her singular history which
finally exposes Lord Dalgarno's real character
and conduct before the King and his court.
Lady Hermione is not a very natural character,
and though her story is sad and touching, she
herself is hardly as interesting as she deserves
to be. Dalgarno's behaviour, when detected,
is a descriptive masterpiece. Before the King,
Prince, and courtiers, he is as calm, self-con-
trolled, even as sarcastic and witty as ever.
His noble father's grief at his revealed base-
ness, the kind King's sympathy with his faith-
ful old subject, together with the stern dis-
pleasure of the dignified Prince Charles, and
the triumph of his rival, Buckingham — all
these difierent emotions he contemplates, and
even braves with apparent indifference.^
1 When Dalgarno's villainy is discovered, King James thus
tells the goldsmith Heriot how Prince Charles and Buckingham
have been lecturing the culprit : — ' O, it yvas grand to hear
' THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL.' 253
He neither shows irritation, shame, or de-
pression, yet these powerful emotions cannot
be really suppressed, though they may be con-
cealed, as Scott well knows, even by the most
hardened or self-possessed. Dalgarno leaves
the Court a disgraced man, with the utmost
coolness, but his suppressed passions burst forth
when among his dependents or inferiors. The
two excited interviews, first between Dalgarno
and the artful scrivener, and then between the
latter and the murderous bravo, Colepepper,
rapidly follow each other ; but Dalgarno is so
thoroughly odious that no sympathy for him
is possible, even when his secret murder is
being planned. The last day of his young
but misspent Hfe, Dalgarno appears in Enfield
Chase, returning to Scotland after his disgrace
at Court. He is accompanied by the ' frail
baby Charles laying down the guilt of dissimulation and
Steenie lecturing on the turpitude of incontinence.' 'I am
afraid,' said Heriot, more hastily than prudently, * I might
have thought of the old proverb of Satan reproving sin.' — Ch.
xxxii. It is surprising that Scott, in this passage, indirectly
countenances the popular idea of Charles's deceit, so warmly
denied by liis party, to which Scott is well known to have been
favourable.
254 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and foolish ' Nelly Christie, whom he has se-
duced, and for which crime Nigel is blamed
by the ignorant husband. Dalgarno hngers
awhile in the forest awaiting Nigel, whom he
has challenged to mortal combat, when he is
suddenly shot dead by the robber Colepepper,
evidently in league with his own treacherous
page, Lutin. In this scene Scott again intro-
duces the same popular superstition mentioned
in the 'Heart of Midlothian' at the meeting of
Staunton and Butler.^
' 'Dalgarno's countenance altered under the influence of
his contending emotions, to the terror of Nelly, who, sitting
unnoticed at his feet, and looking anxiously in his face, beheld
the cheek kindle, the mouth become compressed, the eye
dilated, and the whole countenance express the desperate and
deadly resolution of one who awaits an instant and decisive
encounter with a mortal enemy. The loneliness of the place,
the scenery so different to that to which alone she had been
accustomed, the dark and sombre air which crept so suddenly
over the face of her seducer, his command imposing silence
upon her, and the apparent strangeness of his conduct in idling
away so much time without any obvious cause, when a journey
of such length lay before them, brought strange thoughts into
her weak brain. She had read of women seduced from their
matrimonial duties by sorcerers allied to the hellish powers,
nay, by the Father of Evil himself, who, after conveying his
victim into some desert remote from human kind, exchanged
the pleasing shape in which he gained her affections for all his
natural horrors.' — Ch. xxxvi.
' THE FOETUXES OF NIGEL.' 255
This idea of the devil assuming a hand-
some human form Scott, I think, also mentions
in his work on Witchcraft. But in dwelling
upon these singular fancies Scott indulges his
natural love of the marvellous, without its
ever overcoming his steady good sense, or
weakening or affecting his firm judgment. To
him these curious superstitions are as hand-
some courtiers were to Queen Elizabeth, to be
dalhed with and interested in, as a pleasing
relief from very different men and very dif-
ferent thoughts. An amusing, though rather
grotesque historical character is introduced in
Sir Mungo Malagrowther, the King's youthful
playfellow and whipping boy, as he was said
to have been usually punished for all the
young monarch's juvenile offences, in his
sight, so as to produce the desired effect
on the royal mind without chastising the
royal person. As the natural result of such
absurd injustice. Sir Mungo grows up a sour,
cynical man, finding a dismal pleasure in
speaking bitterly of all he knows, though
256 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
always kindly treated by the King. But the
most amusing event in the story, perhaps, is
the love and marriage of the two worthy,
quaint, elderly originals, Eichie Moniphes and
Martha Trapbois.
They are admirably suited to each other,
and their wedded hfe would, probably, have
afforded many comic incidents, but upon their
future doings Scott drops the curtain. They
are introduced as man and wife to the whim-
sical old King, who in the last page confers
upon honest Eichie Moniphes the honour of
knighthood. This conclusion seems almost
ridiculous, yet after the many sombre descrip-
tions and sad incidents in this rather gloomy
story, the happy marriage of this worthy
couple and of Nigel himself to Margaret
Eamsay, after all their several dangers and
difficulties, gratify and reheve the reader's
mind.
It is, perhaps, remarkable that this histori-
cal novel introduces no Independents or Ee-
publicans, though the scene is laid entirely in
London, a short period before the great Eevo-
'FORTUNES OF NIGEL. Z-J I
liition. Except in tlie few prophetic words
of the King to his son, there is scarcely any
allusion to the unquiet state of the public
mind, or to those deep feehngs of pohtical
discontent and sectarian animosity which were
so soon to occasion the terrible Civil War, ter-
minating in the destruction of the monarchy.
Except the four Scotchmen, Nigel, Eichie,
Lords Huntinglen, and Dalgarno, the charac-
ters are all Enghsli of different classes, but are
ahke loyal to the monarchy, and either real or
professed Episcopahans. Yet about this time
both Eepubhcan principles and Independent
doctrines must have made considerable pro-
gress, though neither, it is true, had in this
reign attracted much pubhc notice or acquired
pohtical importance.
The disorderly, lawless state of London,
the timid, weak, if not contemptible character
of the King and the profligacy of his courtiers
are, however, powerfully described, and all
these were, doubtless, among the many causes
which occasioned the disasters and troubles of
258 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
the ensuing reign. Tlie contrast between the
pettish, frivolous James, and his grave, dig-
nified son is carefully described, as well as
the mutual affection between them, despite the
great difference of their respective characters.
Scott is evidently favourable to King James
all through Nigel, perhaps partly from national
partiaHty towards the first Scottish sovereign
of the three kingdoms. No allusion is made
to the execution of his most illustrious subject.
Sir Walter Ealeigh, while his domestic amia-
bihty and family affection are kept prominently
before the reader, so as to leave the best im-
pression possible of him upon the reader's
mind, not inconsistent with truth. Scott
draws a very slight sketch of Prince Charles,
perhaps meaning in a future work to more
fully describe a character so eminently suited
to his descriptive powers, but if he ever had
this intention he never fulfilled it, and he gives
only a brief sketch of this unfortunate Prince,
as he gave of Prince John in ' Ivanhoe,' and of
Sir Walter Ealeigh in ' Kenilworth,' when all
three were in their younger and happier days.
QUEXTIX DURWARD.' 259
CHAPTER XVI.
'QUENTIN DURWARD.'
This is the first novel in which Scott lays the
scene entirely on the Continent — in France
and Belgium. The hero, however, is a brave,
Uvely, shrewd young Scotchman ; the heroine
a rather uninteresting French or Burgundian
Countess, Isabelle de Croye. But the chief
character, for the sake of describing whom
the story was written,^ is the celebrated King
Louis the Eleventh of France, Scott's account
of him in the Preface, founded strictly on
history, represents this sovereign even more
odious than he appears in the subsequent pages
of the novel, in which he at least for some
time treats Quentin well and confides frankly
' Sea Preface,
s 2
260 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY XOVELS.
in his honour and courage.^ Quentin soon
joins the King's Scottish guard of archers, a
brave, jovial, rather intemperate company,
though described by Scott with evident good-
will Durward's uncle, Ludovic Lesly, called
Le Balafre, one of this troop, is a truly original,
well-drawn character, perhaps slightly resem-
bhng Captain Dalgetty, in the 'Legend of
Montrose.'
The descriptions of Louis the Eleventh
and his singular Court, his odious sateUites,
Tristan, the Hangman Marshal, and Ohver le
1 Scott makes the suspicious King trust young Quentin,
and enrol him in his Scottish guard soon after he knows him,
on the principle of Shakespeare's Eichard III., when he
exclaims—
' I will converse with unrespective boys ;
None are for me that look into me with considerate eyes.'
When Quentin asks how he can apprehend treason in his
guarded palace, Louis almost sadly replies, ' Treason excluded
by guards ! Oh, thou silly boy ! Who shaU exclude the
treason of these very warders ? ' ' Their Scottish honour,'
answered Durward, boldly. * True — most right ; thou pleasest
me,' said the king, cheerfully. * The Scottish honour was ever
true, and I trust it accordingly. But, treason ! She sits at
our feasts, she sparkles in our bowls, she wears the beard of
our counsellors, the smiles of our corn-tiers, the crazy laugh of
our jesters — above all, she lies hid under the friendly air of a
reconciled enemy. I will trust no one — no one.' — Ch. x.
' QUENTIN DURWARD.' 2G1
Dain, the barber-minister, who chiefly enjoy
his confidence, are all founded on fact, and
chiefly derived from the records of the cotem-
porary historian De Comines. This man is
also introduced in this story, but it may be
doubtful if all his statements about King Louis
are thoroughly rehable, though probably true
in the main. This sovereign certainly con-
trived to maintain his tyrannical authority over
France with surprising success till his death,
but this story describes him about the middle
of his reign, when, though his French subjects
are sufficiently obedient, he is yet defied by
his powerful and nearly independent vassal,
Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
This Prince appears to have been as imperi-
ous and violent as Henry the Eighth, though
perliaps neither so licentious nor unscrupulous.
His rash vehemence of manner and temper
present an amusing contrast to Louis the
Eleventh's great powers of dissimulation, who
in this respect rivalled Eichard the Third, and
in many ways, indeed, was not unHke the ima-
262 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
ginary ' Prince ' who ' ought NOT to keep his
word ' of Machiavel's celebrated essay. His
singular rehgious superstition, however, made
Louis a remarkable contrast to either Eichard
the Third, Cassar Borgia, or most other distin-
guished proficients in pohtical deceit. For
Louis's rehgious behef was a sort of perverted
and morally useless, yet sincere, conscientious-
ness. He was not an actual hypocrite, but
contrived apparently to mentally degrade his
deity into a being who could be bribed and
propitiated by worldly presents and fulsome
prayers. Perhaps there have been few in-
stances of a man of Louis's sense and shrewd-
ness, being thus able, as it were, to degrade the
object of his adoration even below his own in-
tellectual level — to fear and sincerely worship
an imaginary being, who, though possessing
more power than himself, could yet be coaxed
and flattered into either sanctioning or par-
doning most atrocious crimes. Yet such is the
picture of Louis, bequeathed by history, which
Scott has faithfully copied in this novel, and
' QUE^^^IN DUKWARD.' 263
which has been also reproduced in Delavigne's
celebrated play of ' Louis the Eleventh.' ^
On the point of rehgious belief, indeed,
this crafty monarch seems to have been hardly
sane, and though, when in the excitement of
warfare, he had displayed courage, his dread
of death in its calm contemplation was quite
overwhelming. His suspicion of everyone,
and his ready confidence in young Durward,
though only for a short time, are very strik-
ingly described, and appear natural enough to
such a character. His cruelty to the luckless
gipsies, employing them as spies and then
hanging them without trial when done with,
is described at some length, and shows how
^ This well-known tragedy comprises the last years and
death of Louis, when all his superstitious ' fears and fancies
seem intensified by ape, care, and weakness, though none of
these causes diminish that extraordinary craft and dissimula-
tion which, like Tiberius Caesar, only ended with his life. The
character of Louis has been a favourite part for our modern
English actors (I am not aware if any foreign actors have
attempted it). The late Mr. Charles Kean, and recently Mr.
Henry Irving, alike excelled in its dramatic representation, and
when either appeared on the stage between Tristan VHermite
and Oliver le Dain this novel was easily recalled to the reader's
memory.
264 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
well this artful king availed himself of the dull
bigotry of his Christian subjects, who do not
seem to have made much exertion on behalf
of their own rights and hberties, and were
utterly indifferent to those of their misbeliev-
ing fellow-subjects. These unfortunate gipsies,
though generally hated and despised as infidels,
and therefore almost unworthy of legal pro-
tection, were yet so remarkably cunning and
vigilant, that Louis was able to both secretly
avail himself of their miserable services as
spies or informers, and afterwards destroy them
like vermin, without risking his popularity or
shocking pubhc opinion. Young Durward's
first exploit is to cut down and try to recover
one of these victims whom he finds hano-incr on
a tree near the royal palace, but the wretch's
life is extinct, and the French peasants, be-
holding the humane efforts of Quentin, take to
fhght terrified, lest they should incur the king's
anger by even attempting to revive his victim.
The romantic plot of this tale chiefly con-
sists in the adventures of Isabelle de Croye,
' QUENTIN DURWARD.' 265
who, a subject of the Duke of Burgundy, is
required by him to marry his Itahan favourite,
Count Campo Basso. Isabelle, with her aunt,
Lady Hamehne, an amusing and even ridicu-
lous character, escape from Burgundy to
avoid this marriage, and take refuge at the
court of King Louis, who is rather peremp-
torily requested by the imperious Duke to
give up the fugitives. At this time the Liege
people, who are apparently ruled poHtically
as well as spiritually by tlieir worthy Bishop,
a relation of the Duke of Burgundy, prepare
to rebel against that prelate, and are insti-
gated by a powerful and dangerous robber
chief, WilHam de la March. Louis sends the
two ladies de Croye to Liege under young
Quentin's escort, nominally to the Bishop's
protection, but secretly plotting to deliver
them to De la Marck, whom he wishes to
strengthen, by his marrying the heiress,
Isabelle, against his unruly vassal, the Duke
of Burgundy. The ladies, therefore, are ac-
companied on their perilous journey by not
266 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
only Quentin and an escort, but also by a gipsy,
Hayraddin Maugrabin. This man, of course
Scott's complete invention, is perhaps one of
the most singular and interesting characters in
the story. He is always grateful to Durward
for having tried to save his luckless brother,
and though secretly enjoined to betray his
fellow travellers to the wild followers of De
la March, he resolves, if possible, to save
Quentin's hfe, secretly hoping that he will be
content to marry the elderly Lady Hamehne,
and allow her more attractive niece to be-
come the bride of La Marck. This arrange-
ment, however, is by no means acceptable to
Quentin, who discovers Hayraddin's plot, and
travels by another route with his charge
safely to Liege.
Here, soon after their arrival, a furious
rebellion breaks out, the unfortunate bishop
is captured and executed in his own palace
by order and in presence of the ferocious De
la Marck, who, joining the Liege insurgents,
soon becomes their master. This truculent
' QUENTIX DURWAED.' 267
chief now hopes to effect an alHance with
Louis the Eleventh, by whom he has been
secretly encouraged, though nominally dis-
avowed, against the Duke of Burgundy. The
last speech of the murdered bishop is a noble
passage in this story, for though he and his
sad fate are founded on history, his last words
are due to Scott alone.
At this moment, Quentin Durward, while
trying to rescue and carry off Lady Isabelle
from the mutinous city, is disappointed on
finding Lady Hameline closely veiled upon his
arm, instead of her niece, for whom he at
first takes her. This deception is the work of
the gipsy, Hayraddin, but Quentin, discovering
it in time, rescues Lady Isabelle, and flies with
her from Liege towards Burgundy, leaving
poor Lady Hamehne in the gipsy's charge,
who presents her to De la Marck. This
worthy, ascertaining she has some fortune,
immediately marries her, quite with her own
consent, for this romantic old dame now fan-
cies this robber to be a distinguished warrior,
268 PHILOSOPHY OF THE "WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and like a gallant knight of the older time.
This incident is, indeed, improbable, bnt Scott
apparently wishes to amuse himself and his
readers by inserting it, for this novel is rather
a gloomy one, thongh highly interesting, and
containing some splendid passages.
Qnentin, on his flight from Liege, is met
and rather unpleasantly relieved of his fair
charge by a party of Burgundians, under
Count Crevecoeur, one of the most chivalrous
and distinguished characters in the book.
Meanwhile King Louis has adopted the sin-
gular plan of actually visiting the Duke of
Burgundy, not knowing that the Liege people
are now in a state of mutiny. In this inci-
dent Scott admits he has violated history,
as the bishop's murder really happened some
years after the King's visit to his haughty
vassal.^ Upon the safety of taking this step,
however, Louis previously consults his astro-
loger, an Itahan named Martins Galeotti, as
1 See chap, xxiii.
' QUENTIN DURWARD.' 2G9
he had also done before despatching Quentin
with the hidies to Liege. Galeotti is a histori-
cal character, and really exercised great in-
fluence over the Eing's mind. By his advice
partly, Louis, accompanied by himself, Tristan
and Ohver le Dain, with a few attendants, pays
a visit to the Duke of Burgundy at Peronne,
and the remarkable contrast between the
mean dress and appearance of the King and
the splendour of his proud vassal are forcibly
described.
At first the Duke receives his royal guest
with enforced politeness, though secretly dis-
trusting him the whole time, when Count
Crevecoeur suddenly returns to Peronne,
bringing with him not only Isabelle and
Quentin, but also the terrible news of the
Liege rebellion and the bishop's murder. The
Duke instantly suspects Louis to have pro-
moted this mutiny, though he has no actual
proof of his doing so ; yet in his first excite-
ment at the news, he impetuously arrests and
imprisons his sovereign, and seems even to
270 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
contemplate his execution. When Louis finds
himself the close prisoner, instead of the
honoured guest of his dangerous subject, his
mingled cunning, rage, and terror are power-
fully described. He is still allowed the
attendance of his trusty and well-beloved
Tristan, the Hangman Marshal, as he was
often called, together with his two odious
assistants, Trois Eschelles and Petit Andre.
These worthies are not entirely of Scott's in-
vention — the one a gloomy hypocrite, the
other a hvely, heartless httle wretch, always
joking with, or rather laughing at the unfor-
tunate victims of the King's displeasure, who
are to be ' worked off ' by their hands. Scott
states that Louis, in grim jest, used to call
them 'Jean qui pleure,' and 'Jean qui rit'
(John who cries, and John who laughs), and
it is a matter of opinion whether the gloomy
and hypocritical or the mocking and impudent
executioner is the most odious. Besides these
three wretches, Louis is allowed the company
of Quentin's brave and fearless uncle, Le
' QUENTIX DURWARD.' 271
Balafre. With these subordinates the impri-
soned, angry King takes earnest counsel upon
the danger of their position, which at first
seems very serious, the Duke having them all
in his power, with httle moral doubt of Louis
having connived at the Liege rebellion.
The vindictive King's first idea is to exe-
cute the astrologer, Galeotti, through whose
advice, founded on his pretended knowledge
of the stars and their revelations, he was
induced to trust himself to the Duke of Bur-
gundy. Louis finds the savage Tristan and
his two satellites most anxious to revenge
themselves on the astrologer, wliile Le Balafre,
with consistent manhness, refuses to murder,
though he despises Galeotti. No such scru-
ples, however, trouble Tristan or his myrmi-
dons, who, by Louis's orders, prepare to hang
the Italian immediately, and close to the
King's apartment. But Louis resolves to
have a last interview with his intended vic-
tim, who is summoned to his presence, fearing
the worst and prepared for it.
272 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
A most interesting, and even dramatic
scene ensues. Tristan and his attendants
remain outside the King's room, eagerly
awaiting the end of the interview between
their master and Galeotti, and longing to hang
the Itahan on the spot, at a pre-arranged sig-
nal from Louis. The Scottish soldier, Balafre,
is also in waiting, thoroughly loyal to the
King, but resolved to have no share in the
intended execution. Martins Galeotti, how-
ever, well knows the superstitious and nervous
as well as vindictive character of the remorse-
less sovereign in whose power he is. He
calmly hstens, therefore, to the sarcastic
reproaches of Louis, and being himself a
courageous, resolute man, preserves an un-
daunted manner, without showing the least
sign of fear or apprehension. The King,
though enraged against him, and distrusting
his assumed supernatural knowledge, has not
altogether lost confidence in his mysterious
power of divination, and as he is leaving the
room asks in apparent scorn, though in secret
' QUENTIN DURWARD.'
9T.q
anxiety, if lie can foretell the time of his own
death. Then Galeotti, by one bold falsehood
gravely pronounced and solemnly maintained,
saves his menaced life, by declaring that his
o-\\m death will take place exactly twenty-four
hours before that of Louis himself. The
King's rage instantly yields to most abject
terror, and he eagerly charges the disap-
pointed executioners on no account to harm
the unspeakably precious person of the sage
Martins Galeotti. The King's prayer pre-
viously addressed to the Virgin Mary, asking
leave to execute the Itahan, would be too
extraordinary for behef, were it any novehst's
invention. But Scott declares in a note that
he has read prayers of this same King re-
corded by the historians — Brantome and
Comines — which are quite as extraordinary.'
^ ' Sweetest lady, work with thy child that he will pardon
all past sins, and one — one little deed which I must do this
night — nay, it is no sin, dearest lady of Olery, no sin, but an act
of justice privately administered, for the villain is the greatest
impostor that ever poured falsehood into a prince's ear, and
leans beside to the filthy heresy of the Greeks. lie is not
deserving of thy protection ; leave him to my care, and hold it
274 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
However, his fear of death so artfully
worked upon by Galeotti, completely over-
powers all angry revengeful feelings, and
Louis is now as anxious for the astrologer's
safety as for liis own, really believing them to
be inseparable. The comic disappointment of
the three executioners at this result of the
King's interview with Martius, is most amu-
singly related, and thus the whole party — king,
executioners, and astrologer — spend a very
agitated, uncomfortable night in the guarded
castle of the Duke of Burgundy. Yet the
Duke can obtain no actual proof of the King's
comphcity with the Liege mutineers, or with
De la March ; and while he remains in moody
as good service that I rid the world of him, for the man is a
necromancer and wizard that is not worth thy thought and
care — a dog, the extinction of whose life ought to be of as
little consequence in thine eyes as the treading out a spark that
drops from a lamp or springe from a fire. Think not of this
little matter, gentlest, kindest lady, but only consider how thou
canst aid me in my troubles, and I here bind my royal signet to
thy effigy, in token that I will keep word concerning the Oo. of
Champagne [where Louis had promised to endow a convent],
and that this shall be the last time I will trouble thee in affairs
of blood, knowing thou art so kind, so gentle, and so tender-
hearted.'— Oh. xxviii.
' QUEXTIX DURT^'ARD.'
suspense, still detaining liis royal guest in a
sort of custody, there arrives a pretended
herald fi'om De la Marck to both the King
and Duke, who is no other than he gipsy,
Hayraddin, merely assuming the part without
really knowing his profession.
Louis, however, now effectually disarms
the angry suspicions of the Duke, by sending
immediate defiance to La Marck, declaring
his intention of attacking Liege, and avenging
the Bishop's murder, in alliance with the
Duke, who eagerly agrees to the plan. The
luckless gipsy is soon detected under his he-
raldic disguise, claimed by Louis as his subject,
and immediately surrendered by the Duke of
Burgundy. Hayraddin, though nearly as art-
ful as Galeotti, has not the same means of
eluding the cruel tyrant, being denied an
interview, and is secretly condemned to im-
mediate execution, without any sort of trial. ^
^ After the reconciliation between tlie King and Duke, Scott
thus exposes, in a few expressive lines, the odious hy]iocrisy
of Louis : * May Heaven be praised,' he said, ' who holding in
His hand the hearts of princes, doth mercifully incline them to
276 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
This unfortunate gipsy's fate and his last
request to Quentin to take care of his horse,
are affecting incidents. Scott, perhaps pur-
posely, dwells httle on the King's odious
cruelty, or the Duke's harshness towards this
unfortunate man. But he decidedly claims
the reader's sympathy for their victim, who
dies bravely, though rejecting all reUgious
belief, especially Christianity, with aversion,
which was less surprising, considering the
only Christian specimens he ever knew, except
Durward, and the vile treatment his tribe
usually experienced in Christian lands.
Though these gipsies, at least on the Con-
tinent, were often called Bohemians, it is well
known they never were a European race, but
came originally either from Egypt or India.
Scott, while making this French gipsy an
atheist, describes the Scottish gipsy, Meg Mer-
peace and clemeucy, and to prevent the effusion of liuman
blood. Oliver,' he added, apart to that favourite, who ever
waited around him, like the familiar beside a sorcerer, ' Hark
thee ; teU Tristan to be speedy in dealing with [hanging] yonder
runagate Bohemian.' — Ch. xxxiii.
' QUENTIX DURTTARD.' 277
rilies, as occasionally singing Roman Catholic
hymns, though without positively stating her
to be a Christian or not. In both these dif-
ferent instances, however, he describes persons
capable of deep, sincere gratitude for the least
kindness, while usually treated with cruelty
or stern contempt by both French and Scotch,
and of course morally degraded to a great
extent, and partly from the effects of such
treatment. After Hayraddin's execution, or
rather murder, the King and Duke capture
and pillage the rebellious town of Liege, where
Quentin encounters De la Marck in single
combat, but does not slay him outright, that
exploit being skilfully reserved for his uncle
Le Balafre, who brings La Marck's head to
King Louis and the Duke.
The question of Isabelle's marriage is now
discussed, her imperious suzerain, the Duke,
having declared that whoever slays De la
Marck shall marry her with or without her
consent. Scott most amusingly describes the
confusion both of the Duke and Le Balafre at
Zib PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
this crisis, but the latter old soldier fortu-
nately cares as little for Isabelle as she does
for him, and reasonably and wiUingly transfers
his rather peculiar right to his nephew, which
arrangement the reader is given to understand
will be equally acceptable to both Isabelle
and young Quentin. This excellent story,
as before mentioned, was chiefly written to
describe Louis the Eleventh, Scott admitting^
that the 'Httle love intrigue of Quentin was
only employed as the means of bringing out
the story.' Still many readers feel more
interest in the fortunes of the gallant young
hero, Quentin, and other interesting fictitious
characters, than in analysing and minutely
examining the varied evil quahties which
composed the hateful character of Louis the
Eleventh. But this extraordinary monarch
specially interested Sir Walter, who^ compares
him to Goethe's Mephistophiles, observing
that in his opinion that character more pro-
bably resembles the Invisible Eeahty than the
^ Preface. ^ Preface.
' QUEXTIX DURWARD.
comparatively noble creation of IVIilton, the
Satan of ' Paradise Lost.' Yet many readers,
judging from Quentin Durward, might not
feel as much abhorrence of Louis as he
really deserved, according to history. For
Scott makes him friendly and gracious to
Quentin, amusing and witty in conversation,
and when in great danger from the Duke of
Burgundy, the reader feels rather reheved
that he escapes it. Even his cruelty to the
gipsy spies does not make him in this story
as odious as it should, partly owing to their
being mostly arrant rogues themselves, and
as mucli hated and distrusted by all other
Frenchmen for their thieving propensities as
by the King. Still his almost Satanic Ma-
jesty is too evil a master for such a noble
young hero as Quentin, who by his fortunate
marriage is able to transfer allegiance to the
Duke of Burgundy, who is certainly the best
of the two tyrants.
280 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTEE XVII.
' REDGAUNTLET.'
Ix this remarkable story Scott returns to
Scotland and the north of England, but it is
partly told in a series of letters, which is a
departure from his usual style of narrative.
The two heroes are Alan Fairford and Darsie
Latimer — the first a young Scottish lawyer,
the latter a young Enghsh baronet, whose
history and parentage are for a long time
unknown to himself, and who is brought up
and educated by Mr. Alexander Fairford, a
Scottish lawyer, with his only son Alan.
The time of this tale is about the latter
part of the eighteenth century, and Scott
makes the last abortive plot of the vanquished
Jacobites the chief subject of his novel.
EEDGAUNTLET.' 281
Again, as in ' Waverley ' and 'Eob Eoy,' he
describes the last few adherents of the Stuarts
as extremely interesting ; but both Alan and
Darsie, as well as all tlie most sensible and
enlightened characters in the story, are op-
posed to the Jacobite cause. These two
young men's letters to each other are remark-
ably natural and characteristic, Alan being
a shrewd, intelligent, thoroughly practical
youth, while Darsie is fanciful, romantic, and
much more incHned to a life of adventure.
The short story of the bhnd fiddler, ' Wan-
dering Willie,' is one of the most amusing
and well-told narratives of the sort imagi-
nable, somewhat reminding the reader of Mr.
Dickens's ' Cliristmas Carol,' at least in its
vivid and sustained interest. The character oi
the worthy Quaker, Joshua Geddes, the mis-
chievous funny boy, Little Benjie ; the brave,
reckless Nanty Ewart, the odious Trumbull
and Nixon, are all admirably life-like ; yet
Scott apparently feels less interest in tliem or
in poor Peter Peebles, the ' law's victim,' than
282 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
in the historical characters and incidents
which this story gradually develops. Edward
Eedgauntlet, young Darsie's uncle, is the most
prominent of all the characters throughout
the tale. His character, perhaps, is not a
complete invention, being probably founded
on some of the leading Jacobites of the
time. He is a Eoman Cathohc, and devoted
to the restoration of the banished Stuart
family.
The head of that unfortunate House, Prince
Charles Edward, is now middle-aged, and by
all accounts, since his CuUoden defeat and
subsequent banishment, his character and
habits had greatly deteriorated. He became
in misfortune more obstinate and self-willed
than ever, and by no means as grateful as a
noble nature would have been to those gallant,
devoted followers who risked hfe and pro-
perty for his sake. Still he has not quite
given up hopes of recovering what his grand-
father had lost, and George H.'s unpopu-
larity, even among loyal subjects, greatly
REDGAUNTLET.
contributed to revive the drooping spirits of
the subdued Jacobites.^
At the accession of George III., however,
l^ses vied with each other in testifying
their loyalty, while rumours of Charles Ed-
ward's profligate habits were spread, perhaps
exaggerated, but unfortunately not invented.
At this time a certain Mrs. Walkinshaw
chiefly influenced this unworthy Prince, and
was constantly with him. This unscrupulous
woman, it was beheved, was paid a regular
salary by the existing Government to trans-
mit secret intelhgence of any Jacobite plot
that might be formed at the exiled Court,
and for this singular species of mingled
domestic and pohtical treachery, Mrs. Walk-
inshaw appears to have well earned her dis-
graceful reward. Eedgauntlet's great object
is to induce his nephew Darsie, heir to a
large fortune, to join the Pretender's ex-
piring cause, of which he is himself now one
^ See Ilallam's remarks on this subject, Constituiionai
History.
284 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
of the chief supporters. Darsie, however,
not being very comphant, is carried about as
a prisoner for some time by his imperious
uncle, before the young man is aware of their
relationship. Darsie's adventures, though im-
probable at this period of Enghsh history, are
very interesting, but Scott soon abandons the
epistolary style and resumes his usual mode of
narration, in which he concludes the story.
The heroine, Lihas Redgauntlet, Edward
Eedgauntlet's niece, and Darsie's sister, is
seldom introduced, and is not made par-
ticularly interesting. Wlien she reveals who
she is to her brother, both agree in secretly
disavowing their plotting uncle's poUtical
schemes, though LiHas is much attached to
him. She graphically describes to Darsie the
recent splendid coronation of young George
III., which she had witnessed with her uncle,
who, when there in disguise, revealed to her
in strong language his indignation at the
whole scene. ^ It is by his direction that
' ' It was the coronation feast. At a table above tbe rest,
REDGAUNTLET.' 285
Lilias actually lifts the glove which, accord-
ing to old custom, the Champion of England
throws down, and leaves an iron one in its
place, thus openly challenging the royal
rights of the young King at his Coronation
feast. This incident, it was currently re-
ported, really happened on this occasion,
though Scott appears doubtful if it ever
actually occurred. Edward Eedgauntlet, as
was often the case with leading Jacobites, is
watched and betrayed by his servant Nixon,
an odious rufEan, in whom he places great
confidence.
Some other Jacobites are introduced,
and extending across the upper end of the hall, sat enthroned
the youthful sovereign himself, surrounded by the princes of
the blood, and other dignitaries, and receiving the suit and
homage of his subjects. Heralds and pursuivants blazing in
their fantastic, yet splendid, armorial habits, and pages of
honour gorgeously arrayed in the garb of other days, waited
upon the princely banqueters. In the galleries with which
this spacious hall was surrounded, were all, and more than all
my poor imagination could conceive of what was brilliant in
riches, or captivating in beauty. " Girl," he whispered, " all
that is noble and worthy in this fair land are there assembled,
but it is to bend like slaves and sycophants before the throne
of a new usurper." ' — Ch. xviii.
286 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
tliougli taking less part in the story ; of
these, Maxwell of Summer trees, nicknamed
Pate-in-Peril, from the many risks he had
suffered for the cause, is the most remark-
able. He is a spirited old sportsman, brave,
daring, fearless, yet hardly such a deter-
mined, zealous enthusiast as Eedgauntlet,
by whose intrigues and persuasions Prince
Charles Edward is partly induced to again
visit England, disguised as a foreign Eoman
Catholic priest, to attend a secret meeting, at
a town called Fairladies, of the chief remain-
ing English Jacobites, in the hope of effecting
a revolution. How far this event is historic-
ally true seems uncertain. Scott mentions
that Charles Edward really came secretly to
England in this reign, perhaps with the same
object as in the novel, but the singular meet-
ing of the Jacobite gentlemen, as detailed at
length in it, is not stated to have really oc-
curred. Still in the beginning of George III.'s
reign, the Enghsh Jacobites, though few and
dispirited, had not quite abandoned their
REDGAUNTLET.' 287
cause as hopeless, but the Pretender's obstinate
folly in retaining the spy, Mi's. Walkinshaw,
about him, effectually disheartened his remain-
ing adherents.
The banished Prince arrives at the house
of the Miss Arthurets, Eoman Cathohc ladies,
under the name of Father Buonaventure,
an Italian priest. Hither come Edward
Eedgauntlet, with niece and nephew, also
young Alan Fairford, who leaves Scotland
to seek his missing friend, Darsie, whom he
at length discovers, and is brought hither by
Nanty Ewart, the smugghng captain. Nixon,
Redgauntlet's treaclierous servant, is here too,
and even poor Peter Peebles, whose endless
law-cases Fairford had hastily abandoned, for
the sake of seeking Darsie — even Peebles,
partly crazy, yet devoting all his remaining
wits to the vindication of his rights — even
he comes pursuing Fairford, and makes, in-
deed, the one comic figure in a very serious,
agitated group.
The boy Benjie also attends this last ren-
288 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
dezvous — the little rogue being Nixon's spy
upon both Eedgauntlet and Darsie, whom
Nixon intends to betray as rebels at the
first convenient opportunity. Wlien the
Jacobites assemble together disguised, Eed-
gauntlet addresses them hopefully, but finds
them by no means as bold or enthusiastic as
himself, for a cause so evidently hopeless.
When closely questioned, moreover, even
this zealous Jacobite is forced to own
that Charles Edward has actually brought
the female spy with him, although pre-
viously warned of her treachery, and re-
spectfully implored by his adherents not to
bring her on this occasion for both their
sakes and his own. Eedgauntlet, after this
admission, presents the Jacobite leaders to
the Prince, who soon perceives their per-
plexity, and is again most respectfully and
even humbly acquainted with the cause.
Then, with all the haughty obstinacy attri-
buted to his grandfather, James II., the
Pretender angrily refuses to dismiss Mrs.
REDGAUNTLET.' 289
Walldnsliaw, not, as he distinctly says, be-
cause lie is particularly attached to her, but
solely because he will not be dictated to by
anyone about his private affairs. His self-
willed pride and obstinacy are most forcibly
described in this remarkable scene, clearly
showing how unsuited he would have been
for supreme power over civilised reasonable
men.^
While the depressed Jacobites are con-
templating giving up their intended rising
^ Upon his refusal, the Jacobite leader, Sir Richard Glen-
dale sadly utters thoughts which were probably in the hearts
of many loyal Jacobites, ' My God ! Sire ! of what great and
inexpiable crimes can your Majesty's ancestors have been
guilty, that they have been punished by the infliction ot
judicial blindness on their whole generation. Come, my Lord
B., we must to our friends.'
' By your leave, Sir Richard,' said the young nobleman,
' not till we have learned what measures are to be taken for his
Majesty's safety.'
* Care not for me, young man,' said Charles Edward ; ' when
I was in the society of Highland robbers and cattle drovers I
was safer than I now hold myself among the representatives
of the best blood in England.'
Scott would never attribute such ingratitude to the Pre-
tender towards faithful adherents, if he had not believed him
capable of such, and it certainly diminishes the reader's sym-
pathy for this prince.
U
290 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and planning their Prince's escape, news
comes that soldiers from Carlisle are ap-
proaching, and that their meeting has been
discovered. They gather round their Prince
resolved to defend him to the last, when a
General Campbell, who commands the ap-
proacliing force, appears quietly among them,
unarmed and unattended. The Jacobites
gaze upon him as if he were ' the angel of
destruction,' but he calmly addresses Eed-
gauntlet, whom he formerly knew, and de-
livers an important message from King
George III. to the effect that Charles Ed-
ward may return in safety to the Continent,
and all his followers to their different homes,
without a single exception. This unexpected
clemency produces a new and remarkable
impression upon all present. Por times seem
indeed changed from the savage days of the
two former Jacobite risings of 1719 and '45,
and Eedgauntlet especially, who was imph-
cated in the latter, can hardly beheve that
even he is included in the amnesty, and
' REDGAUNTLET.' 291
allowed to return to the Continent safely.
Yet he perceives in this merciful policy the
sure proof of the firm power of the reigning
king, and when, assured by Campbell that
no arrest will be made, and no further notice
taken of the treasonable meeting, he ex-
claims for the first time in his life that the
Jacobite ' cause is lost for ever.'
It is evident from this scene and the sen-
timents it contains, that Scott beheves the
mildness of George HI. was more effectual
in crushing the Jacobite hopes than the
odious and uTitating cruelty of his two pre-
decessors.^ After this scene, the Prince with
Eedgauntlet returns to the Continent, the
other Jacobites disperse to their different
homes in perfect safety ; and in a postscript
the reader is told of the marriage of Alan
Fairford and Lihas Eedgauntlet, while her
brother, now Sii' Darsie Eedgauntlet, peace-
fully succeeds to his property, but no heroine
1 See Ilallam's remarks on this subject, Constitutional
Histonj.
tj2
292 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
is provided for liim. His uncle, the real hero,
or at least the most interesting character of
this story, after a time leaves the Court of
Charles Edward, and retires to a foreign
monastery.
Although the historical characters and in-
cidents in this tale chiefly engross the reader's
attention, there are many amusing and in-
teresting fictitious personages and situations.
Peter Peebles is a comic compound of shrewd-
ness, simphcity, and perseverance ; the worthy
Quaker, Geddes, and his sister are amiable and
natural, and the scene where httle Benjie gal-
lops off on the Quaker's horse is one of the
most laughable in the book. Joshua Geddes,
though irritated as much as his mild temper
specially allows, and precluded by his re-
ligious principles from swearing, roars after
the two runaways, calhng the horse ' a fool '
and Benjie a ' varlet,' but no harm happens
to either. Maxwell, of Summertrees, is a
manly, stout-hearted old Jacobite, and it is
to be feared many like him suffered under
' REDGAUXTLET.' 293
the first two Georges. But in this story most
of the characters end happily, and as the
reader would wish, except Captain Nanty
Ewart. This man is a curious, though per-
haps not unnatural, compound of good and
evil, and when o^^posed to the mean wretch,
Xixon, he appears to the best advantage.
These unfortunate men kill each other in
a desperate combat, and which seems rather
an improbable one. Nixon shoots Ewart,
who threatens to reveal his treachery to
Eedgauntlet, and is then cut down by Ewart
when mortally wounded, though it certainly
seems strange that Nixon could have received
such a fatal blow from his dying victim.
With the exception of the sad incident
of poor Nanty's fate, however, this is on the
whole a cheerful story. Even the handsome
spy, Mrs. Walkinshaw, is introduced in an
amusing, natural way, sneering at- the shy,
timid old Miss Arthurets, who are decided
contrasts to this gay lady, but whose devoted
loyalty compels them to receive and endure in
294 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
their strict little house whoever the Pretender
chooses to bring with him. On reflection,
there can be very httle sympathy felt for this
Prince as here described, owing to his mingled
ingratitude and obstinacy. The reader, at the
end of this tale, is reminded of some cha-
racters in ' Waverley ' ; for General Campbell
and Eedgauntlet bear considerable resem-
blance to Colonel Talbot and Fergus M'lvor.
Again we find the same brave, enterprising,
but arrogant spirit in the two Jacobite chiefs,
rendering them far more interesting than
estimable, for though noble and heroic in
adversity, both give unmistakable indica-
tions how tyrannical they would be in power,
while in Talbot and Campbell we recognise
two noble specimens of Enghshmen and
Scotchmen, who, while possessing all the
bravery and high honour of the Jacobites,
are greatly superior in common sense, self-
control, and love of justice. That these men,
or a nation like them, could ever have en-
dured such a ruler as Charles Edward seems
' KEDGAUNTLET.' 295
mpossible, while by such pohtical enthusiasts
as M'lvor or Eedgauntlet, probably any of his
orders, no matter how capricious or tyranni-
cal, would have been sternly enforced. While,
therefore, Fergus M'lvor, in ' Waverley,' and
Edward Eedgauntlet, in this tale, are, per-
haps, the most interesting characters in both
stories, it is evidently their defeat and mis-
fortunes which make them so, for even in
adversity they reveal quahties and sentiments
contrary to justice, and fatal to all rational
Uberty.
296 PHiLosorHY of the waverley novels.
CHAPTER XVin.
' THE TALISMAN.'
The scene of this attractive story is laid in
Syria, during the Enghsh, French, and Aus-
trian Crusades, under the three sovereigns
— Eichard I. of England, PhiKp of France,
and the Archduke Leopold of Austria.
Eichard Coeur de Lion is described more at
length than in ' Ivanhoe,' yet the two accounts
are thoroughly consistent with each other.
Perhaps he appears to rather more advantage
in 'Ivanhoe' as the injured young hero's bene-
factor and patron, while in ' The TaHsman '
he is more hke an arrogant despot, sometimes
noble and generous, but usually violent, un-
just, and tyrannical. The nominal hero, for
Eichard may be called the real one, is Sir
' THE TALISMAN.' 29'
Kenneth, Earl of Huntingdon, who proves
to be the Prince Royal of Scotland, and the
heroine, Lady Edith Plantagenet, is a relative
of the Enghsh monarch.
The story opens with the young Crusader
Sir Kenneth's adventures in Palestine, where
he, with other Scottish knights, follows King
Richard, for though Scotland was then in-
dependent of England, the Scottish monarch
was not tempted to leave Scotland for Syria.
The object of this novel is to make the Cru-
sades as interesting and attractive as hes in the
power of fiction to represent them. This is
natural in a romance on the subject, yet Scott,
in his previous essay on Chivalry, strongly
condemns these rash and dangerous under-
takings, though in fiction he almost seems
to admire them. He describes the Saragens
rather more favourably, perhaps, than history
fully warrants, though in some respects
they seem to have been much superior to
their Mahometan successors. Their noble
Sultan, Saladin, shares with Coeur de Lion the
298 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
chief interest of this remarkable work. He
is first introduced under other names, and in
different disguises. He encounters Kenneth
in single combat, beside a fountain in the
Syrian desert, and their contest is described
in the most picturesque manner. Neither
warrior, however, is wounded, and when
wearied by their rather dangerous exercise,
they make peace and refresh themselves by
the fountain, called the Diamond of the
Desert, each in his own style. During their
first conversation, and indeed throughout the
whole book, the Christians abuse the prophet
Mahomet with the greatest rancour and vehe-
mence, while the Mahometans always mention
Jesus with respect, and even veneration. It
appears, indeed, that in this and some other
respects, the Crusaders were rather below
their Mahometan foes at this period in re-
hgious tolerance, as well as in outward
courtesy ; for the Christian warriors evi-
dently took special dehglit in revihng Ma-
homet before those to whom he was the
THE TALISMAN.' 299
object of special veneration, and in whom
such hmguage could only produce irritation
and hatred.
Tlie main interest of tlie novel turns
upon Kenneth's adventures in Eichard I.'s
camp. A truce now exists between the
united Christian armies and their Saracen
foes, but there are serious national and per-
sonal jealousies among the diiferent Christian
monarchs. Scott, who always has great Eng-
lish partiahties, represents Eichard to much
advantage beside the intriguing, rather mean
French King, and the proud obstinate Aus-
trian Archduke. The Knights Templars and
of St. John are both mentioned, but the Grand
Master of the former, Giles Amaury, is the
chief villain of this story. He possesses the
worst quahties combined of Beaumanoir and
Bois Guilbert, the two Templar Knights in
' Ivanhoe,' uniting the stern cruelty of the for-
mer wdth the ambitious Ucentiousness of the
latter, but without their respective redeeming
quahties of religious sincerity and occasional
300 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
generosity. Giles Amaury's ally and subse-
quent victim, Conrade, Marquis of Montserrat,
who aspires to be King of Jerusalem, is a
historical character, and his enmity to
Richard is also a fact, but his conduct and
fate in the novel seem entirely fictitious.
The singular attempt to murder Richard
by a Mahometan fanatic ^ is apparently de-
scribed from the real fate of the unfortunate
Conrade, who was assassinated by two rather
similar fanatics, employed for the purpose
by the notorious Syrian chief, called the
Old Man of the Mountain.^ In the novel
Richard's life on this occasion is saved by
Kenneth, who, disguised as a Nubian slave,
attends the King when an invalid in his tent.
The chief point in this story is the jealous
hatred of Amaury, Conrade, and many other
foreign Crusaders against Richard of England,
whose fierce temper is roused almost to mad-
ness by the secret stealing of the English
standard, left in Sir Kenneth's charge. The
' Chap, xxiii. ^ Hume's History — Bichard I.
THE TALISMAN.' 301
unfortunate hero is accordingly condemned
to death for suspected treason, or negHgence,
and four or five intercessors plead for his
life with the enraged monarch. First, his
wife, Queen Berengaria, then Lady Edith, the
heroine, both of whom are repelled with con-
tempt. Then Sir Thomas de Vaux, of Gilsland,
Eichard's most faithful counsellor, vainly in-
tercedes for the Scottish knight, whose cause
is also warmly pleaded by a half-crazy hermit, ^
Theadoric of Engaddi. This man is a remark-
able specimen of a religious enthusiast of these
times. He is really a Norman nobleman,
Alberick de Mortemar, who, being disap-
pointed and unfortunate in early hfe, fancies
that he has irrevocably offended Heaven. He
hves a solitary hfe in the Syrian desert, de-
voted to the cause of the Crusades, yet, hke
the Black Dwarf, retaining many kind feel-
ings and sympathies, despite his melancholy
fanaticism. This enthusiast's intercession is
also spurned by the angry king, and lastly, his
Saracen physician, El-Hakim, by whose medi-
302 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
cine Eicliard is recovering health, exerts all
his influence with his dangerous patient in
behalf of Kenneth. Almost at the risk of his
Hfe the Arab physician obtains his request.
Kenneth's hfe is spared, and he is handed over
to El-Hakim, who, disguising him as a Nubian
slave, allows him to attend the Enghsh King.
It is in this capacity he saves Eichard from
the Saracen fanatic, when seated unarmed
outside his tent on a sultry evening.
This scene is ably described, and is the
more interesting when it is remembered that
similar murderous attempts were often made
at this time by Mahometan fanatics, and in
the same artful manner as is here so power-
fully narrated. The noble physician, El-
Hakim, proves ultimately to be Saladin him-
self, who is indeed the only Mahometan, except
the murderous fanatic introduced in the story.
He and King Eichard are, in fact, the rival
heroes of this novel. Sir Kenneth himself being
of very secondary interest, while the villanous
Grand Master of the Templars, the false, vain
THE TALISMAN.' 303
Conrade, the deceitful French King, and the
sullen Austrian Archduke, all appear at a dis-
advantage beside the wise and noble Saracen
Emir. During his interesting conversation
with Eichard at the close of the story, the
Saracen's superiority in both heart and mind,
even to the Enghsh King, become more and
more striking, and Scott perhaps exaggerates
rather than diminishes the many great and
good quahties which Saladin certainly pos-
sessed.
The real culprit in the affliir of the stolen
standard is Conrade of Montserrat, whose
guilt is detected by Kenneth's faithful hound,
Eoswal, who, in his absence, was wounded
when trying to defend the standard, but is
healed by El-Hakim as successfully as King
Eichard himself by the same physician.
Scott's great fondness for dogs appears in
many of his novels, and especially in ' The
Tahsman.' Eoswal is well worthy of being a
Crusader's dog, bold and watchful ; he after-
wards detects Conrade, and leaps upon him.
304 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
After this, Kenneth challenges, fights, and
wounds Conrade, who is then treacherously
murdered by his former ally, the crafty Giles
Amaury, who dreads the wounded man's re-
vealing to King Eichard their joint conspiracy
• against him. It may be doubted, however, if
Scott was quite justified in making the Grand
Master of the Templars such a base murderer.
That these knights were often cruel and mer-
ciless bigots is certain, and also frequently
licentious and unscrupulous, but it seems un-
likely that such a thorough villain as Amaury
could have maintained supremacy over a
body of men, many of whom were at least
honourable and sincere, though deluded and
hardened by religious fanaticism.
But the greatest departure from historic
probability (if not possibility) is when Scott
actually makes Saladin kill the Grand Master
in presence of the Enghsh and French
kings, with perfect safety to himself. This
is an incident which could scarcely have
occurred, considering the relative positions of
THE TALISxMAN.' 305
these men, and it appears inconsistent with
Scott's knowledge of history to invent such
an extraordinary occurrence. The Knights
Templars were at this time among the
bravest soldiers in the crusading army ;
they were half priests, half soldiers, and vied
with the other Crusaders in acts of bravery,
and it is to be feared exceeded most of them
in acts of barbarity against their Mahometan
enemies. For their acknowledged leader to
be safely slain by the Saracen Sultan in
presence of the French and Enghsh kings, for
the murder of another Christian knight, surely
indicates a totally different state of rehgious
and moral feehng from what actually pre-
vailed at this time.
This incident may be an easy and rather
a pleasant way of destroying such an odious
villain as the Grand Master, but in all Scott's
historical novels he has perhaps never de-
parted so thoroughly from truth as in this
instance. After the conviction and death of
Conrade, Kenneth is pardoned, his real name
X
306 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and rank as Prince Eoyal of Scotland is then
proclaimed, and his subsequent marriage
with Edith Plantagenet mentioned, though
not described. For in this, as in many of
Scott's historical novels, the nominal hero
and heroine are comparatively uninteresting,
the reader's attention being chiefly devoted
to Kichard I. and his noble rival, Saladin.
In this tale Eichard's character is drawn
perhaps more correctly than in ' Ivanhoe.'
Amid all his military triumphs and undoubted
heroism, Scott describes him as a man of
such unruly temper and violent passions, that
civilised, enlightened subjects could never
have long endured his authority. In a
striking interview between Eichard and the
Hermit of Engaddi, he freely prophesies to
the reckless, fiery king how httle his death
will be regretted by his English subjects,
whom he had impoverished by taxes, and
neglected by continual absence, for the sake
of these wild crusading enterprises.^
1 ' Alas ! noble kiuff,' said the hermit, ' short aud melau-
THE TALISMAN.' 307
Although it may seem strange that Scott
attributes such wise and warning words to a
reUgious enthusiast hke the hermit, it must
be remembered that probably from few other
men would the haughty monarch have en-
dured such a rebuke with patience. For
Eichard is evidently a thorough despot in all
his ideas and feehngs, immensely popular with
his soldiers, from his personal bravery, and
manly, free bearing among them, but endowed
with many tyrannical quahties.^ These were
cboly, marked witli mortification, and calamity, and capti-s-ity,
is the span that divides thee from the grave, in which thou
shalt he laid — without lineage to succeed thee, without the
tears of people exhaa«ited by thy ceaseless wars, to lament thee
— without having extended the knowledge of thy subjects,
without having done aught to enlarge their happiness.' ' But
not without renown, monk, not without the tears of the lady of
my love. These consolations, which thou canst neither know
nor estimate, await upon Richard in his grave.'
Thus Scott makes the impetuous king answer the hermit's
prophecy, foretelling Richard's short life in England, after the
Crusades, which entailed such fearful loss both of human life
and money upon his English subjects.
^ * Though the English pleased themselves with the glory
which the King's martial genius procured them, his reign was
very oppressive, and somewhat arbitrary, by the high taxes
which he levied on them, and often without consent of the
States or General Council.' — Hume's Hisfori/, vol. ii.
Hume adds that Richard was so pleased with the fame
x2
308 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
displayed even during his short career in
England, while in this novel his language to
all around him, even to his faithful follower.
Sir Thomas de Yaux, shows his fierce, un-
governable temper. Scott keeps his constant
bravery and occasional generosity prominently
before the reader, to make him as attractive
as possible, without violating history. The
general impression produced by this animated,
exciting story is certainly in favour of the
Crusades, and had it been written during their
times, it might possibly have inclined some
youthful readers to join them. It is instruc-
tive, therefore, to compare Sir Walter's calm
condemnation of these ' hare-brained, foolish
enterprises ' in his practical ' Essay on Chi-
vaky,' with the attractive sketch he draws of
them in his subsequent novel.
which he acquired in the East, that he resolved after his return
to England, ' to have further exhausted his kingdom, and to
have exposed himself to new hazards, by conducting another
expedition against the infidels.'
' WOODSTOCK.' .309
CHAPTEE XIX.
' WOODSTOCK.'
This work is Scott's last English historical
novel, during the time of the Commonwealth,
immediately between Prince Charles's defeat
at Worcester and the assumption of supreme
power by Oliver Cromwell. The hero is a
brave, sensible officer in the Parliamentary
army, Colonel Markham Everard, who, while
obeying Cromwell, and to some extent trusted
by him, is not inclined to pay him the im-
plicit obedience which was afterwards yielded
to him by the EngHsh nation generally. The
heroine, Alice Lee, is the only daughter of
a stout old Eoyalist, Sir Henry Lee, Eanger
of Woodstock, a hot-tempered, prejudiced,
yet generous Cavalier, and evidently a great
310 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
favourite with the author. He indignantly
repels Everard's welcome addresses to his
daughter, which he once encouraged, owing
to their present poHtical differences. Sir
Henry, though now too old and infirm to
join any insurrection of the vanquished Ca-
vahers, abuses Cromwell and the Common-
wealth vehemently, earnestly desiring the
restoration of the banished Prince. He con-
stantly deplores that fatal January 30, when
his ' best and kindest of masters,' as he calls
Charles I., was executed by ' men of Belial,'
as he, in common with the Anghcan Book
of Common Prayer, terms the successful
Eegicides.
At the beginning of the story an amusing
scene occurs in Woodstock Church, once
Episcopahan, now entrusted to a Presbyte-
rian pastor, Mr. Holdenough, who, in his
turn, finds himself and his sect insulted, if
not superseded by their RepubHcan Inde-
pendent alhes, who enthusiastically obey
Cromwell. Colonel Everard rather resembles
WOODSTOCK.' 311
Morton ^ in the firm moderation of liis political
conduct during the excitement of civil war ;
for, though serving the Commonwealth, and
therefore under Cromwell's authority, he is
by no means solely devoted to him, and while
anxious for the hberties of England, which
he considers endangered by the monarchy, he
yet disapproves and opposes the more violent
of his fellow-Eepubhcans. The heroine, Ahce
Lee (Hke Edith Bellenden in 'Old Mortahty')
is a decided Royahst, and though not such a
pohtical partisan as Flora M'lvor, yet tries to
dissuade her lover from yielding impHcit obe-
dience to the ' gloomy, ambitious soldier,'
Cromwell.
In the opening of the story, the Cavaher,
Sir Henry Lee, is deprived of his Woodstock
residence, which is handed over by the Par-
liamentary Government to their three Com-
missioners sent from London, Desborough,
Harrison, and Bletson. The first is a stupid,
but perhaps brave man, cousin to Cromwell,
J Old Mortality/.
312 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
and seldom mentioned. General Harrison is
a historical character of some importance,
and, from the statements of Burnet and
Clarendon, seems accurately described in this
novel. He is a brave, excitable, yet crafty
enthusiast, of the Independent sect, a strange
combination of wild fancy and shrewd common
sense. He was even suspected by some of
being the disguised executioner of Charles I.,
and certainly was the first Regicide executed
after the restoration of Charles H. Bletson
is probably Scott's invention, and is unlike
his two associates. He is a conceited, timid,
yet eloquent, intelligent man, pretending to
scorn all rehgious opinions, though not an
avowed atheist, owing, perhaps, to his ner-
vous temperament. For he is described as
unable to stifle rehgious belief, and as se-
cretly reading the Bible in the Anghcan
version when terrified by pretended ghosts at
Woodstock.
These absurd, but well-managed appari-
tions are really Sir Henry's son Albert, and his
WOODSTOCK.' 313
forester, Joceline Jollifie, with others, trying to
frighten the three unwelcome Commissioners,
if possible, out of their new abode. Scott
probably shows in Bletson a specimen of some
leaders in the Eepubhcan party at this time,
yet men hke him were never numerous or
influential in England. For at this time,
immediately after the crushing defeat of the
Eoyalists at Worcester, who were chiefly Epis-
copalians, the supreme power was divided,
though unequally, between Independents and
Presbyterians, the former, however, gradually
superseding the latter. Harrison is a spirited
and striking, though doubtless unfavourable
specimen of the Independents, who were gene-
rally devoted to Cromwell, though he himself
is occasionally jealous of his authority.
The most artful villain in this story is a
certain ' Trusty Tomkins,' a curious com-
pound of hypocrite, enthusiast, and volup-
tuary, and in some respects an exaggeration
of General Harrison, whom he follows, though
he is secretly employed by Cromwell to dis-
314 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
cover the fugitive Prince Charles, who takes
refuge in Woodstock, disguised as a Scottish
servant of Albert Lee. This important event
occurs about the same time that Colonel
Everard induces Cromwell, to permit the
return of Sir Henry Lee to his Woodstock
mansion. The three Commissioners, though
at first unwilling to rehnquish their prize,
are soon reconciled to doing so by the pro-
mise that they will obtain yet more profitable
employment in the dismanthng and dispark-
ing of the Eoyal residence and forest at
Windsor. At this pleasant intimation ' all
parties pricked up their ears, and their
drooping, gloomy, vindictive looks began
to give place to courteous smiles and to
a cheerfulness which laughed in their eyes
and turned their moustachios upwards.' In
describing these three odious Eepubhcan
leaders, the rascal Tomkins, and the kindly,
jovial Cavaliers, Wildrake, and JoceHne
Jollifie, Scott's Eoyahst partiaHties may seem
rather excessive.
WOODSTOCK.' 315
This is Mr. Shaw's ^ opinion, who beUeves
* Cromwell unduly lowered, and Prince Charles
unduly elevated ' in this novel. But at this
time the Cavahers are vanquished and Charles
a fugitive ; his shameless profligacy is, there-
fore, more hinted at than described ; for at
this time his character, though never very
promising, was certainly not so flagitious and
selfish as in his subsequent reign, when he
was applauded and flattered by his subjects
with the most extravagant, if not unprincipled
loyalty.^ Cromwell's character in ' Wood-
stock' seems rather contradictory. He is first
mentioned receiving the gay, reckless Cavalier
Wildrake, sent by Everard to intercede for
Sir Henry Lee, a somewhat unsuitable envoy
for the purpose, it must be owned, both from
his drunken habits and Eoyalist principles.
In this remarkable interview, Cromwell's feel-
ings, as Scott beheved them, are strikingly
revealed in a sohloquy upon seeing the por-
1 Manual of English Literature.
* MacaiUay's History.
316 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
trait of Charles I.^ This king's execution
was generally laid much to his charge, yet
it appears doubtful if he could have pre-
vented it, considering the state of England
at that time. Cromwell, however, eager to
capture the fugitive Prince, whom he sus-
pects may take refuge at or near Woodstock,
^ ' That painter/ he said, ' that Antonio Vandyke, what a
power he has ! Steel may mutilate, warriors may waste and
destroy, still the king stands uninjured by time, and our grand-
children, while they read his history, may compare the melan-
choly features with the woful tale. It was a stern necessity —
it was an awful deed! The calm pride of that eye might
have ruled worlds of crouching Frenchmen, or of supple
Italians, or of formal Spaniards, but its glances only roused
the native courage of the stern Englishman. Lay not on poor
sinful man, whose breath is in his nostrils, the blame that he
falls, when Heaven never gave him strength to stand ! The
weak rider is thrown by his unruly horse, and trampled to
death. The strongest man, the best Cavalier, springs to the
empty saddle, and uses bit and spiur till the fiery steed knows
its master. Who blames him, who, mounted aloft, rides
triumphantly among the people, for having succeeded where
the unskilful and feeble fell and died ? Verily, he hath his
reward. Then what is that piece of painted canvas to me
more than others ? No ! Let him show to others the re-
proaches of that cold, calm face — that proud, yet complaining
eye. Those who have acted on higher respects have no cause
to start at painted shadows. Not wealth nor power brought
me from my obscurity. The oppressed consciences, the in-
jured liberties of England were the banner that I followed.' —
Ch. viii.
WOODSTOCK.' 317
grants Everard's request, sending back Wild-
rake with a vague message, which the Cava-
lier does not communicate, for Everard to
keep a watchful eye on all about Woodstock,
and arrest the fugitive Prince if possible.
Then Wildrake returns confused but de-
hghted to Woodstock, bearing Cromwell's
permission for Sir Henry Lee to re-occupy
liis former residence.
Scott in this tale mentions both Shake-
speare and Milton. The former having been
a favourite with the late king, is accordingly
much admired even by the illiterate army of
the Cavahers, while his works were now
greatly condemned by many Puritans and
Independents. Trusty Tomkins, who though
certainly an evil specimen of the Inde-
pendents, probably expresses some of their
views, abuses Shakespeare vehemently.^ Even
^ ' Verily, I say, that since the devil fell from Heaven, he
never lacked agents on earth, yet nowhere hath he met with a
wizard having such infinite power over men's souls as this
pestilent fellow, Shakespeare. Away with him, men of Eng-
land ; to Tophet with his wicked book,' Sec. — Ch. iii. While
the half-knave, half-fanatic, Tomkins, thus reviles the noble
318 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Colonel Everard, tliough calm and moderate
(like all Scott's heroes) in his opinions, men-
tions Shakespeare with some degree of preju-
dice, while the worthy Sir Henry, though less
competent to appreciate the bard, thinks him
faultless. Although posterity in England and
the Continent, Germany especially, have vin-
dicated Shakespeare's w^orks from such cen-
sure, it is evident that during the time of the
Commonwealth his writings and principles
were generally condemned by the triumphant
Eepublicans.
The Independents and Puritans now pos-
sessed few men of literary talent, with the
subhme exception of Milton, who, though
sharing the most extreme views of the Ee-
publican party, could not withhold admira-
bard, even the calm, judicious Colonel Everard, not quite free
from party prejudices, thus censures liim, ' I cannot, even in
Shakespeare, but see many things, both scandalous to decency,
and prejudicial to good manners. I cannot think these fine
poems are a useful study, and especially for the youth of either
sex, in which bloodshed is pointed out as the chief occupation
for men, and intrigue as the sole employment of the women.'
— Ch. vii.
* WOODSTOCK.' 319
tion for his great fellow poet, ' Sweetest
Shakespeare, fancy's child, warbling his na-
tive wood-notes wild,' ^ while his pohtical
labours, views, and wishes were in accor-
dance with the real General Harrison rather
than the imaginary Colonel Everard, in
earnest devotion to Cromwell. For Milton
was now better known, as Scott observes,
by his political works than by the poems
upon which was subsequently founded ' the
eternal structure of his immortahty.' Amid
the fierce EepubHcan soldiers and fanatical
theologians now claiming political power, this
wonderful man seemed indeed a surprising
contrast. Although a professed Eepubhcan,
he was completely devoted to Cromwell,
whom he served and praised with the loyalty
of a faithful subject, for no ardent Eoyalist
ever addressed a Hege sovereign in terms of
more respectful obedience.^
^ Milton's Allegro.
^ ' We all willingly yield the palm of sovereignty to your
unrivalled ability and virtue, except the few among us who,
either ambitious of honours which they have not the capacity
320 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
His vehement, or as some would call it,
eloquent vindication of Charles I.'s execu-
tion, was at this period as much admired by
the successful Eepublicans as abhorred by
the defeated RoyaUsts. Scott, with admirable
wit and judgment, describes Everard repeat-
ing some hues from Milton's ' Comus ' to Sir
Henry Lee, who, while ignorant of the author,
cannot repress his admiration, even admitting
that they exactly express his own feehngs
and opinions ; but when told they are writ-
ten by a Eepubhcan, Sir Henry, in the true
spirit of a prejudiced partisan, immediately
declares that ' so amiable a man,' whoever he
is, must deeply censure and deplore the con-
duct of his party, and that doubtless he is
to sustain, or who envy tliose whicli are conferred on one more
worthy than themselves, or else who do not know that nothing
in the world is more pleasing to God, more agreeable to reason,
more politically just, or more generally useful, than that the
supreme power should be vested in the best and wisest of them.
Such, Cromwell, aU acknowledge you to be.' — Defence of the
English Feople. This language is the more extraordinary, con-
sidering the hatred with which Cromwell's supreme authority
was regarded by most Prelatists, many Presbyterians, and
nearly all Roman Catholics.
' WOODSTOCK.' 321
HOW ' drooping mth sliaine ' at their having
executed the King.^ But when he discovers
the author's name, the enraged old Cava-
lier immediately banishes Everard from his
presence with bitter reproaches, angrily re-
gretting that his admiration for Milton's
poetry has made him praise such a ' whitened
sepulchre as the sophist Milton.'
Towards the close of this story, an Epis-
copahan and Presbyterian clergyman, Eoche-
cliffe and Holdenough, represented as intimate
friends in early days, meet and recognise
each other affectionately in Woodstock, wdiile
abhorring each other's rehgious and pohtical
opinions to an absurd extent.^ These two
^ Yet instead of ' drooping with shame,' for the King's
execution, Milton was about tliis time writing, ' the only grief
is that the head was not struck off to the best advantage and
commodity of those who held it by the hair. . . . Such a
solemn, and for many ages unexampled, act of due punish-
ment was no mockery of justice, but a most grateful and well-
pleasing sacrifice,' &c. — Milton's Iconoclast.
2 ' By degrees they got on the politics of the day, and
though they then unclasped their hands, and there occurred be-
tween them such expressions as " nay, my dear brother," and
"there I must needs differ," and "on this point I crave leave
to think," yet a hue and cry against the Independents, and
322 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
Scott presents as rather favourable specimens
of Anglican and Presbyterian divines at this
period, for when no longer contending with
Roman Catholics, these chief Protestant divi-
sions were now and for many years after-
wards bitterly and dangerously hostile to each
other. The reader is reminded of a some-
what similar quarrel in 'The Monastery,' be-
tween the Roman Catholic, Abbot Eustace,
and the Presbyterian preacher, Henry War-
den, at the beginning of the Reformation in
Scotland.
Ohver Cromwell's description in this novel
has been censured by his admirers, and, as
before observed, it certainly appears rather
contradictory. It is surely unlikely that he
other sectarists, being started, tliey followed like brethren in
full hollo, and it was hard to guess which was most forward.
Unhappily, in the course of this amicable interview, something
was said about the bishopric of Titus, which at once involved
them in the doctrinal question of Church government. Then,
alas ! the floodgates were opened, and they showered on each
other Greek and Hebrew texts, while their eyes kindled, their
cheeks glowed, their hands became clenched, and they looked
more like fierce polemics about to rend each other's eyes out,
than Christian divines.' — Ch. xviii.
' WOODSTOCK.
should at one time order tlie wholesale execu-
tion of Sir Henry Lee, his son Albert, Coh^nel
Everard, Rochechffe, Holdenough, Wildrake,
and even Sir Henry's dog, Bevis, and the next
morning recall the entire sentence, and even
forget he had pronounced it. But his pecu-
har way of talking, frank good nature to his
soldiers, and immense energy, also his occa-
sional fits of sadness, are founded on historical
record. It is to be regretted that Scott makes
the gay, good-natured CavaHer, Wildrake, wdio
is evidently a favourite Avith him, actually at-
tempt to murder Cromwell, who pardons the
would-be assassin without receiving thanks
or gratitude from anyone. Scott, however,
admits that Cromwell, while occasionally
making formidable examples, was ' in general
by no means sanguinary.' The Royahst his-
torian. Clarendon, also admits that his ' ene-
mies could hardly blame him without praising
him at the same time,' while the recent
historians, Guizot and Lord Macaulay, say
he was a merciful as well as an able ruler.
324 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
In ' Woodstock,' Scott describes liim as being
' no unfit representative of the democracy of
England,' and on the whole Scott induces
his readers to admire him in many respects,
and yet to feel a strong interest in his
young enemy, the future Charles II. This
Prince, though his profligate habits are hinted
at and censured by Albert Lee and Colonel
Everard, is perhaps made rather too amiable,
at least his subsequent conduct when a King
seldom showed the generous feelings of which
Scott makes him capable.
In the affecting scene which closes ' Wood-
stock,' and briefly describes the King's tri-
umphant restoration, Charles recognises and
greets Sir Henry Lee, now in extreme old
age, who, murmuring a blessing on the young
monarch, dies partly from excitement and
joy. Yet Charles was generally blamed, even
by the loyal, for his selfish or thoughtless in-
difference to his most devoted subjects, which
was the more surprising, as he was usually
allowed to be good-natured towards those
WOODSTOCK.
who were immediately around him, and cer-
tainly possessed much more ability than he
ever thought it worth while to devote to the
pubUc service.^
The general impression made by this
novel is certainly favourable to the Cavalier
party ; the Independents are, perhaps, rather
too much blamed, in such odious specimens
as General Harrison and Tomkins, for they
certainly claimed to advocate tolerant prin-
ciples at this time, though they artfully ex-
cluded Roman CathoHcs and Prelatists,* while,
according to Clarendon's history and Butler's
poem, they were both arrogant and tyrannical
towards the Presbyterians. Thus their pro-
fessed toleration would have little availed
most of their fellow-countrymen, but for the
firm and wise control of their leader, Crom-
well, who, both in history and in this novel,
appeared a noble contrast to the Harrisons
and Tomkinses of fiction and reality. The
' See Bishop Burnet's Memoirs, and Clarendon's JIistoi-y.
* Hume.
326 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAYERLEY NOVELS.
hero, Colonel Everard, and Mr. Holdenoiigli
are both Eepublican Presbyterians, who ahke
dread and disapprove the violence of their
partisans. The spirit of the novel is de-
cidedly, though not mainly, in favour of the
Cavaliers, the gay, reckless Wildrake, like
Shakespeare's Lucios, Cassios, and Gratianos,
being made a far better man with all his
faults than the mean-spirited philosopher,
Bletson, and the fierce or stupid fanatics,
Harrison, Tomkins, and Humgudgeon of the
Eoundhead party. Colonel Everard, hke
Morton in ' Old Mortahty,' represents a
pubhc-spirited intelligent man. He perceives
the errors of both the contending parties who
are distracting and dividing the country. He
has taken arms against the arbitrary rule
of Charles I., deplores the subsequent
violence of the Parliament, and regrets the
assumption of almost absolute power by
Cromwell. He is in fact a steady advocate
of national liberty, yet he finally submits to
Cromwell's sole authority — not with the en-
' WOODSTOCK.' 327
tlmsiastic devotion of Milton — but as a refuge
from greater evils. Scott probably believes
that sucli was the feehng of many most en-
lightened Encrhshmen at that time when
acknowledfi^incf the Protectorate. ' There is
no choice,' he exclaims ; ' it must be Cromwell
or anarchy.'
It is evidently Scott's frequent and fa-
vourite plan, when describing worthy men of
different or opposing rehgious and pohtical
feelings, to make them equally conscientious,
sincere, and respectable, yet mutually embit-
tered against each other to an unreasonable,
often dangerous extent, solely owing to their
different ideas how their Creator's will can be
best fulfilled. In this respect Scott's historical
novels are more valuable than some actual
histories, whose authors, being warm par-
tisans, can neither see nor beheve in real
merit among those whose rehgion and pohtics
are opposed to their own. Scott's object is
to clearly show his readers how precisely
the same passions, feehngs, and motives may
328 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
animate men whose religious and political
opinions may be completely opposed to each
other. In ' Woodstock,' he describes the Pre-
latist divine, Eochechffe, and the Presbyterian
clergyman, Hold enough, like Father Eustace
and Henry Warden,^ disputing violently about
their rehgious opinions. All these men being
about equally earnest, well-informed, and of
considerable ability, there is little chance of
any conversion, and each couple separate with
feehngs of mutual esteem, yet apparently hope-
less of one another's future salvation, solely
owing to their doctrinal differences. A sar-
castic writer might, with some plausibility,
represent these intolerant worthies as either
extremely foolish, or actuated by personal
spite and jealousy ; but Scott knew both
human history and human nature better than
to do so. He well knew that this bigoted
spirit has existed among men of superior
minds, of considerable learning, as well as
piety, and he knew also that to the con-
' Monastery^
WOODSTOCK.' 329
scientious intolerance of siicli men, some of
the most disastrous evils to mankind are
clearly attributable by historical evidence.
No Anghcan, Roman CathoUc, or Presbyterian
reader can withhold admiration for his oppo-
nents, among the above fictitious characters ;
and when once men can fairly appreciate the
moral worth of religious or political oppo
nents, they have indeed arrived at a state of
mind consistent with Christianity and real
civilisation.
330 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY XOVELS.
CHAPTEE XX.
'THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.'
This story refers to a remote period of Scot-
tish history (1396), the scene of it being laid
entirely in that country. Some of the cha-
racters are fictitious, some historical. Among
the latter are King Eobert III. of Scotland,
his ambitious brother, the Duke of Albany,
his unfortunate eldest son, the Duke of
Rothsay, and the Earl of Douglas.
The hero, Henry Smith, the Perth Ar-
mourer, in his manner aud character is Scott's
invention, though a Perth citizen really distin-
guished himself greatly in the savage battle
between two rival Highland clans, which is
so powerfully described in this novel. These
Hiiihland tribes of Clan Chattan and Clan
' THE FAIR MAID OP PERTH.' 331
Quhele cordially hated each other, and were
about equally powerfid. All Highlanders
were at this time dreaded and dishked by the
Scottish Government and the Lowlanders, as
they paid rather uncertain allegiance to the
former, and Avere constantly plundering the
latter. It was, therefore, agreeable to all
parties that the two alone should select thirty
champions respectively to engage in deadly
combat, in presence of the King and Court,
On this trying occasion, one of the Clan
Chattan fled, or was missing, and his place
was promptly filled by a Perth volunteer who
fought bravely, and by his aid the Clan
Chattan won the day, though most of the
combatants on each side were slain.
This man was the original of Scott's hero,
Henry Smith, a brave, generous fellow, though
not very interesting as a hero. The heroine,
Catherine, daughter of Simon Glover, a Perth
tradesman, is a very amiable and superior
character. Although acknowledged as the
Fair Maid of Perth, she is quite without
332 PHILOSOPHY OP THE WAVEELEY NOVELS.
vanity, and ratlier shrinks from the addresses
of her rough admirer, Henry, which Simon
heartily encourages, and rather harshly scolds
his daughter for not doing likewise. , This
story contains many fine and interesting pas-
sages, yet is anything but a cheerful one,
being either melancholy or painful through-
out. Both in its historical and fictitious cha-
racters and incidents, a gloomy spirit always
prevails, and none among either are calculated
to cheer or enliven the reader. The good
but weak King is completely deceived by
his wicked brother, the Duke of Albany, who
wishes to get rid of both him and his two
sons, Eothsay and James, whose fives alone
prevent his accession to the Scottish throne.
In the beginning of the story, Eothsay
admires and follows the fair Catherine, wash-
ing to make her his mistress, but she rejects
all his advances, and, protected by her father
and Henry Smith, for some time escapes further
insult or importunity, while the Prince is fast
becoming unpopular among the people from
' THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.'
his dissolute habits, and often offends even his
mild father. It is a sad fact detailed in this
story, that King Eobert HI., kind, amiable, and
in many respects worthy of a more civihsed
period, was completely outwitted by his crafty
brother. Eothsay's suicidal folly also aided
the schemes of his dangerous uncle, whose
hardened wickedness was worthy of some
malevolent ogre in a fairy tale. Thus the
amiable, weak father and his reckless, impru-
dent son ahke fall gradually more and more
into the power of their murderous relative
throughout this story, without anyone coming
to the rescue. Eothsay also gravely offends
his stern father-in-law, the Earl of Douglas, a
very powerful nobleman, whose daughter the
Prince had reluctantly married, the match
being chiefly promoted by the intrigue of
Albany, the ambition of Douglas, and the
weakness of the old King. Accordingly Roth-
say dislikes and neglects the Duchess, and
leads a wild, dissolute life — grieving liis father,
offending Earl Douglas, scandahsing the people
334 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
generally, and playing into the hands of his
enemies, of whom his ambitious uncle was
certainly the worst. At length, during one
of his disgraceful midnight revels, he, with
Sir John Ramorny and others, attack Simon
Glover's quiet house, in hopes of carrying off
Catherine, either with or without her consent.
Henry Smith, however, rushes to the rescue,
summoning his fellow-citizens to his aid.
The revellers, who are disguised and
masked, soon take to flight, but Eamorny
loses a hand in the scuffle, and for some time
he hes wounded under the care of an artful
physician and poisoner. Henbane Dwining.
This man is one of the most original and
remarkable in the story, shghtly resembhng
Alasco in ' Kenilworth.' He is probably
Scott's entire invention, though ably con-
ceived and sustained throughout. He is
described as extremely thin, small and deh-
cate, but gifted with an artful, malignant
spirit, together with great abihties. He
possesses also more education and general
THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.
knowledge than almost any other personage
in this singular story. His feeble, puny body,
and evil disposition make him an admirable
contrast to the strong, pugnacious, yet kindly
Henry Smith, and for this purpose he is,
perhaps, partly introduced. While his angry,
haughty patient, Eamorny, hes chafing and
fretting at his wounded state, Dwining, having
great medical skill, now enjoys his mental su-
periority, usually relieving, yet occasionally
shghtly aggravating, his fierce patient's suffer-
ings, though resolved to promote his recovery
as far as he can, in which he succeeds.^
Eamorny is now also enraged against the
Prince Eothsay for refusing to sanction a plot
to dethrone his father, which he had privately
suggested ; but Eothsay, who, with all his
faults, loves his father, indignantly rejects the
' Scott ably describes Dwiuing's consciousness of his mental
superiority over not only Sir John Ramoruy, but probably
many others of the Scottish gentry, at this rude period. ' Like
a keeper of "wild beasts, he sometimes adventured, for his own
amusement, to rouse the stormy passions of such men as
Ramorny, trusting -with his humble manner to elude the
turmoil he had excited.' — Chap. v.
dob PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
scheme, sternly reproaching Eamorny for
even suggestmg it. The latter, disappointed
and furious at losing his hand ' in the Prince's
service,' and at what he considers his unre-
quited fidelity to him, soon becomes a wiUing
instrument in the hands of a yet more dan-
gerous, because more powerful villain, the
Duke of Albany, who, avaihng himself of
Eothsay's quarrels with the King and Earl
Douglas, greatly magnifies to everyone the
Prince's dissolute revels, which are, indeed,
sufficiently discreditable. After Eamorny
loses his hand, Dwining soon discovers that
Henry Smith dealt the blow, whom he de-
tests particularly, and thus induces his patron
to hire a ruffian named Bonthron to attempt
his secret murder ; this wretch, however,
mistakes his victim, and kills another Perth
citizen. Then Henry Smith challenges Bon-
thron, fights, and vanquishes him, the fellow
declaring that the Prince Eothsay had em-
ployed him to commit murder, instead of
Eamorny. In uttering this tremendous false-
' THE FAIE MAID OF PERTH.' 337
hood, Bonthron obeys the directions of both
Eamorny and Dwining, with the secret ap-
proval of the chief villain, the Duke of
Albany. Though Bonthron is sentenced to
execution, Dwining, with the hangman's
assistance, suspends him safely in the air, to
the full satisfaction of the deceived Perth
citizens, after which the murderer, though
feehng rather confused, is secretly restored
to the private service of Sir John Eamorny.
Meanwhile, the accused and suspected Prince
is sent as a prisoner with his father's reluctant
consent to his crafty uncle's castle of Falk-
land, attended by his secret enemies. Sir John
Eamorny and Dwining. When in this se-
cluded abode, Eothsay again sees Catherine,
who is treacherously brought there, beheving
she is to be presented to the Duchess of Eoth-
say. The Prince in female attire then receives
her, but reveals himself, and declares his love,
which she rejects, and is allowed to escape.
Soon after this imaginary scene, Scott relates
the dreadful historic tragedy of his secret
z
338 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOA^ELS.
murder, either by starvation or violence, in
Falkland Castle.
Catherine Glover and her French com-
panion, Louise, a glee-woman, however, dis-
cover the murder, and the powerful Earl
Douglas now approaches the castle with his
followers, having heard confused rumours of
the Prince's assassination. In this instance
Scott deviates from history, which states
that Earl Douglas was Albany's accomplice
in the Prince's death, and that none of the
murderers, of high or low degree, were ever
punished.
Scott, perhaps to relieve himself and his
readers, brings Earl Douglas to Falkland as a
stern avenger, where he immediately con-
demns to death Sir John Eamorny, Bonthron,
and Dwining. The two first are immediately
executed, but Dwining has a remarkable in-
terview with Catherine, to whom he leaves his
fortune, as he ' hates and contemns her some-
thing less than any of the absurd wretches
whom he is obhged to call fellow-creatures.'
' THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.' 339
After this strange declaration, Dwining poi-
sons himself instantaneously, thus escaping
the doom inihcted on Eamorny and Bonthron.
Thus, as Scott expresses it, the guilty hand is
punished, but the guilty head of the royal
Albany was above even the King's power to
bring to justice. After this terrible tragedy,
this tale is varied, rather than enhvened, by
the introduction of the Highlanders, who ap-
pear as unlike their fellow Scotchmen, even
at this period, as if they belonged to another
nation.
By the advice of Albany and Douglas, the
weak King Robert reluctantly consents to the
terrible combat between the Clan Chattan and
Quhele champions in the royal presence.
This savage encounter is not only highly
acceptable to these savage warriors, but re-
commended by the King's advisers, who con-
sider these Highlanders as ' the pest of the
Lowlands,' and would, perhaps, have not re-
gretted their exterminating each other utterly.
In actual history one of the champions fled
340 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS,
before the battle, and Scott apparently trans-
fers this cowardice, so rare in a Highlander,
to Conachar, the young chief of the Clan
Quhele, who is a rejected lover of Catherine,
and of course a rival to Henry Smith, who
voluntarily joins the Clan Chattan, hoping to
encounter this chieftain.
The minute description of this savage en-
counter is painfully natural ; the reader vainly
hopes some person or incident will stop the
continued slaughter of brave men in presence
of the Scottish King, court, and nobility — all
nominally Christians. Yet the butchery pro-
ceeds uninterrupted, Henry Smith showing
great bravery, while his rival, Conachar, in
this respect hke Dwining, serves as another
foil to the gallant hero, and shrinks from the
conflict ; his brave old adherent, Torquil of
the Oak, sacrificing his sons successively by
thrusting them forward to fight in defence
and instead of their panic-stricken chief.
This is one of the most piteous scenes in the
story, distressing and interesting the reader
' THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.' 341
almost equally. At length, when the brave
old Torquil himself is slain, Conachar, com-
pletely terrified, rushes off, amid the scorn
and execration of the spectators, and the
victory is, of course, claimed by the Clan
Chattan, and chiefly owing to the valour of
their Lowland champion, Henry Smith. It is
after this dreadful encounter that the guilty
Duke of Albany himself acquaints the King
of Rothsay's death, who, instantly suspecting
tlie truth, banishes his brother from his pre-
sence, apparently having neither the courage
nor the power to do more ; and sends his
remaining son. Prince James, to England, to
be out of his dangerous uncle's reach.
This scene between the King and Albany
is affecting, and of course imaginary ; though
the King's terror of his brother, and his send-
ing Prince James, after Rotlisay's death, to
England, are historical facts. Meanwhile, the
fugitive chief, Conachar, has a last interview
with Catherine Glover, to whom he confesses
and deplores his cowardice, and finally dashes
342 PHILOSOPHY of the wavekley novels.
himself down a precipice in despair. Scott
mentions, with his usual liking for fairy-
stories, a singular Highland tradition, that
Conachar was snatched from death by these
mysterious beings, and that he continues to
wander through the Highlands, with his
sword in his left hand, as if expressing
his cowardice, and always in deep grief.
Another version of his fate is that he retired
to a monastery, but no doubt is left on the
reader's mind that he committed suicide.
A Carmehte monk. Father Clement Blair,
is mentioned as having much influence over
Catherine, though he takes little part in the
story. Yet this monk might have been more
described with advantage to the book. He
exposes and deplores the pride, bigotry, and
indolence of many of the clergy ; and in
some respects rather resembles the celebrated
Itahan saint. Carlo Borromeo, who, without
attacking the established faith, or disputing
its fundamental doctrines, endeavoured, by
practice and precept combined, to induce
THE FAIR MAID OF rERTH.' 343
and exhort the Christian clergy to be more
worthy of the name. Yet Father Clement is
by some suspected of heresy, and threatened
with persecution, which he eludes, owing to
the protection of Earl Douglas and others ;
lie is probably a fictitious, though interesting
character. At the end of the story Henry
and Catherine are wedded, more apparently
to the satisfaction of her father and lover
than her own. Yet though the nominal hero
and heroine end well and happily, this story
combines such an amount of human crime
and sufiering, unrelieved by the least wit or
cheerfulness, that its general effect is ex-
tremely depressing, though it is certainly
written with considerable power, and con-
tains many characters and incidents of great
interest, both historical and fictitious.
344 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTEE XXI.
'ANNE OF GEIERSTEIN.'
This story is laid in the fifteenth century,
and the scene in France and Switzerland ; it
thus shghtly resembles ' Quentin Durward,'
and again introduces Charles the Bold, Duke
of Burgundy ; but it is decidedly an inferior,
and less attractive novel. The hero, Arthur
de Yere, and his father. Lord Oxford, are
banished adherents of the defeated house of
Lancaster, and they rejoin their banished
Queen, Margaret of Anjou, widow of the
murdered King Henry VI. Scott describes
Margaret more favourably than Shakespeare,
though the latter was said to have strong
Lancastrian partialities. Yet his ' She wolf
of France,' rivalhng the York faction in im-
ANXE OF GEIERSTEIX.' 345
placable cruelty, is here a grave, dignified,
elderly lady, who, though depressed and
melancholy, has not abandoned all hope of
her party's triumph. Lord Oxford and his
son visit the Duke of Burgundy's court, who
receives them with blunt hospitahty. This
imperious, fiery Duke is much the same as
in ' Quentin Durward,' except that he is yet
more tyrannical and uncontrollable, for now
his last days of pride and power are ap-
proaching.
No mention is made of Quentin and
Isabelle, but Louis XI. is again referred to
as concluding a treaty with King Edward
of England. Queen Margaret, at first receiv-
ing Arthur de Vere, is very despondent, and
while walking with liim on a stormy day, she
casts off a feather and red rose, wdiich she
usually wears, expressing by this despairing
gesture, that she gives up hope of the ulti-
mate triumph of the Lancaster faction. The
force of the wind, however, which carries
away the feather, drives back the red rose
346 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
(emblem of the Lancaster party) to her, which
Arthur remarks, and the Queen accepts the
omen, declaring she now believes her party-
will triumph, that he may live to see it, but
she will not. This prophecy of course refers
to the subsequent battle of Bosworth, and the
accession of Henry VII., the last hope of
the house of Lancaster.
The heroine of this tale is the only child
of a Count Albert of Geierstein, a gloomy,
mysterious man, who entrusts his daughter
to the much safer charge of his excellent
brother, Arnold Biedermann, called the Lan-
damman. Arnold is an elderly Swiss gentle-
man, with a large family of sons, to none of
whom, however, does Anne of Geierstein in-
cline ; but Arthur de Vere has a fierce rival
in a brave young Swiss, Eudolph Donner-
hugel, whom, however, Anne dishkes, and
rejects.
The main interest of this story follows the
fortunes of the Duke of Burgundy, whose
fierce arrogance, increasing through age.
' ANNE OF GEIERSTEIX.' 347
makes enemies on all sides. A cruel, rapa-
cious man, Archibald De' Hagenbach, is one
of his viceroys, who is an historical cha-
racter, oppresses the people greatly, and
is accordingly detested by them. This go-
vernor is like the notorious Austrian tyrant,
Gesler, on a small scale, and he is at length
put to death in a successful mutiny of his
subjects, encouraged, if not aided, by the
Swiss. At the news of this outbreak and
execution, the Duke's fury is roused to the
utmost, and he hardly seems fully aware of
his subordinate's many acts of cruelty. Lord
Oxford and the Landamman — the one as a
personal friend, the other as an influential
Swiss — vainly endeavour to make peace be-
tween the Duke and the insurgents. The
Duke Charles, however, has yet more for-
midable foes than the Swiss, in a dangerous
secret society, called the Holy Vehme. This
mysterious association habitually hold mid-
night meetings, and having bribed or won
over some of the Duke's guards, send him
348 PHILOSOPHY of the waverley novels.
repeated threats and warnings, which he
defies with all his natural impetuosity, and
vainly tries to discover who sends them. One
man, Count Albert of Geierstein, he beheves
to be among them, and these two fierce spirits
regard each other with fatal hatred.
Count Albert, sometimes called the Black
Priest of St. Paul's, is one of the most
striking characters in this rather gloomy
story, though he is seldom introduced. He
is selected by this terrible tribunal to assas-
sinate the Duke, who has been repeatedly
summoned to appear before it and take his
trial like a prisoner. Such insolent messages,
however, only rouse this haughty Prince to
fury, so that between the insurgents, the hos-
tile Swiss, and this murderous society, he is in
constant danger. His career and fate occupy
the greater part of this story ; the hero and
heroine being even less interesting or pro-
minent than Durward and Isabelle, though
Scott admits that even the latter were ' only
introduced to bring out the story.' Arthur
' ANNE OF GEIERSTEIN.' 349
de Vcre, however, encounters and kills his
rival, Donnerhugel, but does Httle more, while
his father tries to assist and advise the im-
petuous, unfortunate, Duke of Burgundy,
which is indeed a difficult task. The Duke,
in a striking scene, receives and haughtily
dismisses a Swiss deputation, headed by the
Landamman, imploring him to make peace,
and immediately declares war against them,
but is ignominiously defeated, chiefly through
the treachery of his Itahan general, Campo-
Basso, whom he trusts imphcitly.
This historical character was mentioned,
though not introduced, in ' Quentin Dur-
ward,' as Lady Isabelle's unwelcome suitor.
He is probably bribed, either by the Holy
Vehme or the hostile Swiss, to desert the
Duke during the final battle of Nancy, be-
tween his master and the victorious Swiss.
This treachery decides the battle — the Duke
is forced to fly, but is pursued and killed by
Ceunt Albert of Geierstein, who is also killed
in the s{ime desperate encounter. After this
350 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
eventful battle, nothing of interest remains
in the story save the marriage of Arthur
de Vere and Anne of Geierstein, which is
only briefly mentioned ; but they go to
England after the accession of Henry VII.,
when this German Baroness is said to be-
come henceforth an Enghsh lady. This tale,
though gloomy and serious, is by no means
so painful and distressing as ' The Fair Maid
of Perth.' Yet the only amusing, comic scene
is the rude reception of Lord Oxford by the
surly innkeeper, John Mengs ; for everything
connected with the fiery Duke of Burgundy
— the most prominent character in the book —
is either serious or melancholy. His singular
dejection and lethargy after defeat is power-
fully described, somewhat resembling Shake-
speare's account of Mark Antony when in a
similar position,^ but he is so arrogant, harsh,
and violent, though not dehberately cruel,
^ The haughty Duke's stupified dejection after unexpected
defeat by despised foes, is thus powerfully described : ' He is
like a man distracted. He is silent as a Carthusian, solitary
as a hermit, expresses interest in nothing, least of all in the.
' ANXE OF GEIERSTEIN.' 351
that his fate arouses httle syiiipath3\ In Ids
description, Scott appears to have carefully
followed historical records.
guidance of his army. He is totally heedless of respect or
disrespect towards him, takes little or no nourishment, uses
strong wines, which however do not seem to affect his under-
standing ; he will hear nothing of wars, or state affairs ; as
little of hunting, or of sport. Suppose an anchorite brought
from a cell to govern a kingdom, you see in him, except in
point of devotion, a picture of the fiery, active Charles of
Burgundy.' — Oh. xxxiv. This account somewhat resembles
Mark Antony's confused despair and bewilderment, which he
reveals to his followers after his defeat by Octavius Caesar.
' I have fled myself, and have instructed cowards to run, and
show their shoulders — Friends begone, leave me I pray, a
little, pray you now. Nay do so, for indeed I have lost com-
mand. Therefore I pray you — I'll see you by and by.' (Sits
down.) — Antony and Cleopatra, Act iii.
DO 2, PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVEKLEY NOVELS.
CHAPTER XXTT.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
The remaining novels and short stories com-
pleting the Waverley series are allowed both
by the author and the pubHc to be greatly
inferior in every respect to those already
noticed. ' The Betrothed ' Scott good hu-
mouredly admits^ to be 'heavy enough to
break down the chair of John of Gaunt.'
' Peveril of the Peak ' is more weak and
unsatisfactory than actually dull or heavy.
' St. Eonan's Well ' is an uninteresting tale, dis-
playing, however, a Httle of Scott's wit in the
one amusing character of the Scottish cook,
Meg Dods. The three short tales, ' High-
land Widow,' ' Two Drovers,' and ' Surgeon's
* Preface.
CONCLUDING KEMAEKS. 353
Daughter,' are, like ' The Fair Maid of Perth,'
extremely melancholy and painful, without
a single cheerful character or incident, and
written with less power than that novel.
The two longer and final novels, ' Castle
Dangerous,' and ' Count Eobert of Paris,'
are dull, laboured compositions, unworthy of
Scott's genius, from which the reader can
derive little pleasure or information. But
Scott's fame was established on a firm, perhaps
immortal basis, before his noble mind and
grand genius had ahke become weakened from
the effects of pecuniary distress, for which he
was in no just sense responsible.^ It is very
remarkable that Scott, in all his novels, even
in those relating to British history, never
introduces any Irish characters or incidents.
* Even Mr. Carlyle, though by no means one of his warmest
admirers, writes, ' His " Waverley " series swift following, one
on the other, apparently without end, vas the universal reading
looked for like an annual harvest, by all ranks in all European
countries In joyous picturesqueness and fellow-feeling,
prudence of eye and heart, or to say it in a word, in general
healthiness of mind, these novels prove Scott to have been
amongst the foremost writers.'
A A
354 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
This is much to be regretted, as Ii'eland has
been so often misrepresented even by honest
writers, through pohtical or rehgious preju-
dices, and since Scott's views and opinions
about it would have been equally valuable
and interesting.
From a comparison of the different heroes
of these novels, Scott apparently prefers the
Enghsh character to any other ; for while
introducing Scotchmen, Frenchmen, Jews,
Saracens, and gipsies, his heroes are usually
brave, intelhgent young EngHshmen, rarely
enthusiastic, and generally of very moderate
views.
Waverley, Bertram, Morton, Eavenswood,
Osbaldistone, Tressihan, Nigel, Everard, &c.,
though some are of Scottish birth, are yet
thoroughly Enghsh in character and senti-
ment. They all possess much the same steady
good sense, and freedom from prejudice, which
are so generally found in the Enghsh cha-
racter. Eavenswood perhaps is the least self-
controlled and most prejudiced, but his pecu-
COXCLUDIXG REMARKS. 355
liar position is the cause, and his conversation
with Bucklaw proves that in other circum-
stances he would have been as calm and wise
as the rest of Scott's heroes.
Quentin Durward certainly shows more of
tlie pecuhar shrewdness of the Scottish cha-
racter, but even he, towards the close of the
story, becomes more hke Scott's average hero
than at first, yet all these men are described
with spirit and consistency, and all of tliem
are more or less interesting.
Scott's heroines are perhaps, on the whole,
inferior to the heroes, for Eose Bradwardine,
Julia Mannering, Miss Wardour, Edith Bellen-
den, Ahce Lee, &c., are somewhat unworthy
of their future husbands ; but, on the other
hand, Jeanie Deans is far superior to Reuben
Butler, though in lier instance Scott liad the
image of the real Helen Walker before his
mind. In the instances of Lucy Ashton and
AmyRobsart, their misfortunes are so terrible
and absorbing, that they chiim interest and
sympathy chiefly on that account.
A a2
356 phil6sophy of the waverley novels.
The Jewess, Eebecca, though certainly a
heroine, in the highest sense of the word, is
hardly the heroine of the novel ; she is the
heroine of her race, in the trying period in
which she hved, and cannot justly be com-
pared to Wilfred of ' Ivanhoe,' or any other
character in that work. But, as many subse-
quent writers have truly remarked, Scott's
chief powers were not shown in describing
heroes and heroines. When he chose, he
could, indeed, as in the instances of Eebecca,
Jeanie Deans, Morton, Ravenswood, Tressihan,
&c., conceive and sustain nobler characters
than usually, or perhaps ever appear, and
in the most trying circumstances. But he
chiefly dehghts and excels in describing
peculiar people, hke Bailie Jarvie, Dominie
Sampson, Meg Merrihes, David Deans, &c.,
and also in delineating historical characters
with astonishing force and accuracy. These
he seldom or never makes his actual heroes
and heroines ; they are usually their pa-
trons, sometimes their enemies. Thus when
CONCLUDIXG REMARKS. 357
Richard I., Prince John, Louis XI. of France,
Mary Queen of Scots, &c., arise at the sum-
mons of this hterary enchanter, they usually
befriend and encourage his ideal heroes and
heroines, and often indeed absorb the chief
interest of the novels which describe them ;
and if the reader consults impartial history,
he will find in most instances that Scott has
steadily adhered to truth.
Even when placing these historical cha-
racters in imaginary situations, he adheres so
carefully to all that is known of them, that
the most practical reader will own that they
would in all consistency have acted in those
situations precisely as the novehst has made
them.
One important characteristic of these
novels is the remarkable familiarity and sym-
pathy between the higher and lower classes,
masters and servants, mistresses and maids,
landlords and tenants. This is especially no-
ticeable in ' Old Mortahty,' ' The Antiquary,'
' Eob Eoy,' and ' Kenilworth.' But this
358 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLET NOVELS.
familiarity is certainly far from the kind that
is said to 'breed contempt,' as it is the natural
and proper sympathy between classes and per-
sons depending on each other for their mutual
comfort and advantage. For such has always
been the feeling with which prudent govern-
ments and legislators have wished these classes
to view each other, and to thus avoid tyranny
on the one side, and sycophancy on the other.
The strong objections which some people feel
against all novels and romances, as hkely to
distract and unfit the mind for its inevitable
conflict with the realities of life, may be urged
with plausibihty, if not truth, against some
novels, which indeed charm the imagination,
but leave their readers less wise and more
bewildered by their fanciful representations
than before perusal. But such objections can
never be maintained, and indeed have been
seldom urged against the instructive works of
Scott.
Another remarkable feature in these novels
is, that while Scott firmly condemns bigotry
COXCLUDIXG REMARKS. 359
and prejudice, he is so completely free from
both himself, that he often describes people
who, though bigoted and prejudiced, are yet
estimable and sensible at the same time in
many respects. For a man to thus respect,
and to some extent vindicate the motives of
opponents, is a decisive proof of thorough
honesty and calm wisdom. Scott well knew
that some prejudiced, unreasonable men, whose
stern bigotry induced them to commit or
sanction cruelty, by no means deserved the
personal detestation which apparently their
conduct merited. He carefully considers the
circumstances in which they were placed, the
opportunities they had of knowing better, and
he no less carefully examines and estimates
the secret motives by which they were ac-
tuated.
Many enhghtened men can hardly describe
religious bigotry or pohtical prejudice without
a tincture of the same feehngs themselves ;
they are naturally and reasonably indignant
at the evils which these errors have caused.
360 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and seldom make sufficient allowance for those
who have been influenced by them. Hence
the historical student is often perplexed and
astonished to find people so apparently in-
consistent, — enlightened, wise, and merciful,
and yet capable of both stupid bigotry and
relentless cruelty. Scott, in these historical
novels, explains such inconsistency with re-
markable clearness. He usually makes his
heroes (Morton, Butler, Osbaldistone, Eve-
rard, &c.) intelhgent young men, of moderate
views, generally as enlightened as himself, and
surrounds them with friends and enemies,
whose religious or political fanaticism he then
contrasts with the good sense and just views
of the imaginary hero. Yet he often endows
his most bigoted or prejudiced characters with
many good feehngs. Fergus M'lvor, Claver-
house, Balfour, Macbriar, &c., all possess some
good quahties, while utterly unfit either to
rule, or view their opponents with justice or
humanity. Their opinions, and even actions,
are indeed often odious and wicked, yet there
CONCLUDING llEMARKS. 361
is something to admire in all these men. It
is by the agency of such mixed characters,
however, that so much misery and suffering
have been entailed on mankind, especially in
modern history. The crimes of thorough
villains, hke Varney, Lord Dalgarno, Cristal
Nixon, Bonthron, &c., have never caused the
same amount of suffering as the relentless
fanaticism of rehgious or pohtical enthusiasts,
whose sincerity, when allied with courage
and ability, is sure to command influence and
respect. For the actual injury done to man-
kind by selfish, hardened criminals, who incur
general abhorrence as the common enemy, has
never equalled the amount of evil caused by
influential enthusiasts, ready to justify unscru-
pulous partisans to almost any extent, and yet
unable to recognise the least merit in their
opponents.
To expose and explain the conduct of
such persons was evidently one of the chief
objects of Scott's historical novels, to which
B B
oG2 PHILOSOPHY OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS.
he Steadily devoted the great powers of his
philosophical mind, with a success now gene-
rally acknowledged by an educated and en-
lightened posterity.
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