Old Morality is a historical novel based on the struggles of the Covenanters against the forces of both Scotland and England in seventeenth century Scotland. It traces the movement of the rebellion, from its victory at Drumclog to its ultimate defeat at Bothwell Bridge, through the eyes of its protagonist Henry Morton. Considered one of Scott's finest novels, Old Morality demonstrates the cruelty and bigotry of the human race, as well as the courage and the heroism it is capable of.