Henry VI, Part II

Introduction

For King Henry VI, each of his three plays goes from bad to worse.  At the end of Part I all of the divisiveness that will eventually bring him down surrounds him, especially with the arrangement by Suffolk of his marriage to the scheming Queen Margaret.  After Part II both king and queen are fleeing for their lives and Henry himself will not even survive Part III, although the banished Margaret will return to plague King Richard in his own play.  

Presently, Suffolk returns to England with Margaret, with whom he is already having an affair.  The English have surrendered valuable areas in France in exchange for Margaret, land valiantly won by English armies under King Henry V.  York believes he has a legitimate claim to the throne and is angry that land that should be his has been ransomed away for this new dower-less queen.  Meanwhile Gloucester’s wife yearns for the throne for her husband and gathers sorcerers and uses witchcraft to learn of her fate.  She is arrested and banished for this, warning her husband that he will likely be next.  Sure enough, Gloucester is arrested by Suffolk for treason, as King Henry helplessly looks on.  Various Lords arrange for the murder of Gloucester, so beloved by the common people that they in return demand the death of Suffolk, which to the dismay of Queen Margaret, is promptly agreed to.  The Cardinal, Gloucester’s long- standing foe, takes ill and dies a horrible death.  The field of conspirators is narrowing.

An Irish uprising threatens the English kingdom and York is dispatched to put down the insurrection.  He sees this as his opportunity to lead an army to help him gain the crown, while he encourages a renegade would be king, Jack Cade, to wreak havoc all across the land.  Jack Cade rallies the commoners to revolt and they nearly take London.  The fickle rabble eventually abandon Jack Cade, who is killed by a local farmer whose land he hides out on.  When York approaches the monarch he realizes his forces are not yet prepared for such a battle and he makes peace with Henry VI and accepts it as sufficient that his great enemy Somerset has been arrested.  But Somerset appears with the Queen and it is York who is arrested for treason.  Several lords, including Salisbury and Warwick, side with York and he and his two sons, including the future King Richard, fight and the King and Queen flee for their lives back to London.  Richard kills Somerset, his first of many murders, as the Yorkists approach London

Act I (4 scenes) (24 scenes overall)

Scene i

London. The palace

Enter the King, Gloucester, Salisbury, Warwick, and the Cardinal on one side and the Queen, Suffolk, York, Somerset and Buckingham on the other.

Suffolk: “I have performed my task and humbly deliver up the Queen to your most gracious hands; the fairest queen that ever king received.”

King: “Welcome Queen Margaret. O, Lord, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness! For thou hast given me in this beauteous face a world of earthly blessings to my soul. Lords, with one cheerful voice, welcome my love.”

All: (kneeling) “Long live Queen Margaret, England’s happiness.”

Queen: “We thank you all.”

Gloucester: (reading) “It is agreed that Henry shall espouse the Lady Margaret and crown her Queen of England and that the Duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine shall be released to the King, her father.” (lets the paper fall)

King: “Uncle, how now!”

Exit the King, Queen and Suffolk

Gloucester: “Pardon me, I can read no further. Did my brother, Henry V, not spend his youth in the wars, to conquer France, his true inheritance. And haven’t you yourselves, my lords, received deep scars in France? And shall these labours and honours die? Shameful is this and fatal this marriage, undoing all, as all had never been. Suffolk hath given the Duchy of Anjou and Maine unto poor King Reignier.”

Salisbury: “These counties were the key to Normandy! Wherefore weeps Wawick?”

Warwick: “For grief that they are past recovery. Myself did win them both.”

York: “France should have torn my very heart before I would have yielded to this. I never read but England’s kings have had large sums of gold and dowries with their wives, and our King Henry gives away his own to match with her that brings no advantage.”

Gloucester: “She should have stayed in France and starved in France. Farewell. When I am gone I prophesy France will be lost.”

Exit Gloucester

Cardinal: “So there goes our Protector in a rage. Tis known to you that he is my enemy; nay, more, an enemy unto you all, and no great friend, I fear me, to the King. Consider, lords, he is the next of blood to the English crown. I fear me, lords, he will be found a dangerous Protector.”

Buckingham: “Why then should he protect our sovereign? All together, with Suffolk, we’ll quickly hoise the Duke of Gloucester from his seat.”

Exit Cardinal

Somerset: “Yet let us watch the haughty Cardinal. If Gloucester be displaced, he’ll be Protector.”

Buckingham: “Or thou or I, Somerset, will be Protector, despite Gloucester or the Cardinal.”

Exit all but York

York: “So Anjou and Maine are given to the French and Paris is lost. Suffolk concluded the articles, the peers agreed and Henry was well pleased. So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue, while his own lands are bargained for and sold. A day will come when York shall claim his own. And therefore, I will make a show of love to proud Gloucester, and when I spy advantage, claim the crown. For that’s the golden mark I seek to hit. Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right, nor hold the sceptre in his childish fist. Then, York, be still a while, till time do serve, watch thou and wake, when others be asleep, till Henry and Gloucester fall in at jars; then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose.”

Analysis

More divisions here than could possibly be managed or repaired. England is truly a state in peril. Suffolk and Margaret hope to rule the kingdom through Margaret’s influence over Henry. Margaret is not as meek as she at first appears. The Cardinal hopes to replace Gloucester as the Lord Protector and York bides his time before he can seize the crown that he regards as rightfully his. The crown seems freely available to whichever of the ambitious lords are most unscrupulous during the anticipated fall of a weak young king. Throughout this play the number of schemers will be reduced until it boils down to the actual War of the Roses between Henry and his Lancaster supporters, led by Somerset, and York and his royal aspirations.

Act I

Scene ii

The Duke of Gloucester’s house

Enter Gloucester and his wife, Eleanor

Duchess: “Why droops my lord? Why does the great Duke of Gloucester knit his brow? What see’st thou there? King Henry’s diadem? If so, gaze on and reach at that glorious gold.”

Gloucester: “O Nell, sweet Nell, banish the canker of ambitious thoughts! Eleanor, I must chide thee outright, presumptuous dame, ill-nurtured Eleanor! Art thou not second woman in the realm? Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command, and wilt thou still be hammering treachery to tumble down thy husband and thyself? Away from me and let me hear no more.”

Exit Gloucester

Duchess: “Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood, I would remove these tedious stumbling blocks and smooth my way upon their headless necks.”

Enter Hume

Hume: “By the grace of God and Hume’s advice, your Grace’s title shall be multiplied.”

Duchess: “Hast thou as yet conferred with Margery Jourdain, that cunning witch, and with Roger Bolingbroke, the conjurer, and will they undertake to do me good?”

Hume: “This they have promised, to show your Highness a spirit raised from the depths of the underground.”

Duchess: ” Here, Hume, take this reward: make merry, man.”

Exit Duchess

Hume: “Dame Eleanor gives gold to bring the witch. Yet I have gold from the rich Cardinal as well as from Suffolk. To be plain, they, knowing Dame Eleanor’s aspiring humour, have hired me to undermine the Duchess. I fear Hume’s knavery will be the Duchess’ wreck and will be Gloucester’s fall. Sort how it will, I shall have gold.”

Analysis

Gloucester has already condemned himself when he railed against the marriage of Henry to the formidable and vindictive Margaret.  The lesson for Shakespeare’s audience was clear, that strong and capable governance is required if scenes such as these are to be averted.   And now we see that Gloucester’s wife is desirous of the crown for her husband and herself. She has hired Hume, who will arrange for witches and conjurers to determine her odds. Unfortunately for both her and Gloucester, Hume is also being paid by Gloucester’s enemies at court to expose his wife of dabbling in the occult.

Act I

Scene iii

London. The palace.

Enter the Queen and Suffolk

Queen: “My Lord of Suffolk, shall King Henry be a pupil still, under the surly Gloucester’s governance? Am I a queen and must be made subject to a duke? I thought King Henry had resembled thee in courage, courtship and proportion; but his mind is bent to holiness. His champions are the prophets and apostles and his loves are brazen images of canonized saints. I would that the College of Cardinals would choose him Pope and carry him to Rome.”

Suffolk: “Madam, be patient.”

Queen: “Beside the haughty Protector, we have Winchester, the imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham and grumbling York. Not all these lords do vex me half so much as that proud dame, the Lord Protector’s wife. More like an empress than the Duke’s wife. Strangers in court do take her for the Queen. Shall I not live to be avenged on her?”

Suffolk: “Madam, myself have limed a bush for her, so that she will never mount to trouble you again. And although we fancy not the Cardinal yet must we join with him and with the lords, till we have brought Gloucester to disgrace. One by one we’ll weed them all at last, and you yourself shall steer the happy helm.”

Enter the King, Gloucester, the Cardinal, Buckingham, York, Somerset, Salisbury, Warwick, and the Duchess of Gloucester.

Salisbury: “Why Somerset should be preferred in this?”

Queen: “Because the King will have it so.”

Gloucester: “Madam, the King is old enough to give his censure. These are no women’s matters.”

Queen: “If he be old enough, what needs your Grace to be Protector of his excellence?”

Gloucester: “Madam, I am Protector of the realm, and at his pleasure will resign my place.”

Suffolk: “Resign it then and leave thine insolence. Since thou wert king – as who is king but thou? – the commonwealth hath daily run to wrack, and all the peers and nobles of the realm have been as bondsmen to thy sovereignty.”

Cardinal: “The commons hast thou racked and the clergy’s bags are lean with thy extortions.”

Somerset: “Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire have cost a mass of public treasury.”

Buckingham: “Thy cruelty in execution upon offenders hath exceeded law.”

Queen: “The sale of offices and towns in France, if they were known, would make thee quickly hop without thy head.”

Exit Gloucester

The Queen drops her fan. When the Duchess bends to pick it up the Queen cuffs her on the ear

Duchess: “Could I come near your beauty with my nails, I could set my Ten Commandments in your face. She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.”

Exit Eleanor

Buckingham: “I will follow Eleanor. She’ll gallop far enough to her destruction.”

Exit Buckingham. Re-enter Gloucester

Gloucester: “As for your spiteful, false objections, prove them, and I lie open to the law. But God in mercy, I in duty love my King and country.”

Suffolk: “Here is a man accused of treason. Pray God the Duke of York may excuse himself.”

York: “Doth anyone accuse York for a traitor?”

Suffolk: “This is the man that doth accuse his master of high treason. His words were these: that Richard Duke of York was rightful heir unto the English crown and that your Majesty was an usurper.”

Horner: “I never said nor thought any such matter.”

Peter: “He did speak them to me.”

York: “I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech.”

Horner: “Hang me if I ever spoke the words.”

King: “Away with them to prison.”

Analysis

Suffolk and the Queen conspire to be rid of each and every one of the competing lords. “One by one we will weed them at last.” They have quite the road ahead and choose to begin with Gloucester and his wife, as the Duchess infuriates the Queen. When all of the lords gather about the King, the Queen wades right in, wondering why King Henry still requires a Protector. All the Lords pounce on Gloucester until he departs and then the Queen cuffs the Duchess on the ear when she bends down to retrieve her fan. The Duchess swears revenge. Suffolk attempts to have York branded a traitor with testimony from commoners. The intrigue deepens and spreads.

Act I

Scene iv

London. Gloucester’s gardens

Enter the Duchess, the witch and the conjurer

Duchess: “Welcome. The sooner the better.”

The conjurer: “Patience good lady; wizards know their times. Deep night. Dark night. The time when spirits walk and ghosts break up their graves – that time best fits the work we have in hand.”

They form a circle and it thunders and lightens terribly. Then the spirit rises.

Witch: “Answer that I shall ask.”

Spirit: “Ask what thou wilt.”

Conjurer: “First of the King; what shall become of him?”

Spirit: “The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose; but him outlive, and die a violent death.”

Conjurer: “What fate awaits Suffolk?”

Spirit: “By water shall he die.”

Conjurer: “What shall befall Somerset?”

Spirit: “Let him shun castles. Have done, for more I hardly can endure.”

Conjurer: “Descend to darkness and the burning lake. False fiend, avoid!”

Thunder and lightning. Exit Spirit

Enter York, Buckingham and guards

York: “Lay hands upon these traitors and their trash.”

Buckingham: “What call you this? Away with them. Let them be clapped up close and kept asunder.”

York: “Let’s see the devil’s writ. What have we here? (reads what the spirit has said) A sorry breakfast for my Lord Protector.”

Analysis

They have caught the Duchess in the act of witchcraft and sorcery, which bodes poorly for both her and Gloucester. Two down… and many still to go.

Act II (4 scenes)

Scene i

Saint Albans

Enter the King, Queen, Gloucester, Cardinal and Suffolk

Gloucester: “Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven?”

Cardinal: “Thy heaven is on earth; thine eyes and thoughts beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart; pernicious, Protector, dangerous peer.”

Suffolk: “So bad a peer.”

Gloucester: “As who, my lord?”

Suffolk: “Why, as you, my lord.”

Gloucester: “Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.”

Queen: “And thy ambition, Gloucester.”

King: “I pray thee, peace, for blessed are the peacemakers.”

Cardinal: “Let me be blessed for the peace I make against this proud protector with my sword.”

Gloucester: “By God’s mother, priest, I’ll shave your crown for this.”

King: “How irksome is this music to my heart.”

Enter Buckingham

King: “What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?”

Buckingham: “Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold. Lady Eleanor, the Protector’s wife, was found dealing with witches and conjurers, raising up wicked spirits from under ground, demanding of King Henry’s life and death.”

Gloucester: “Sorrow and grief have vanquished all of my powers.”

Queen: “Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest.”

Gloucester: “To heaven I do appeal how I have loved my King and commonwealth. And for my wife, sorry I am to hear what I have heard; but if she hath forgotten honour and virtue I banish her my bed and company and give her as prey to law and shame.”

Analysis

The lords are all over Gloucester when Buckingham arrives to announce that Gloucester’s wife has been found meddling in witchcraft about the demise of King Henry. One by one they will fall.

Act II

Scene ii

London. The Duke of York’s garden

Enter York, Salisbury and Warwick

York: “Now my good lords, give me leave to satisfy myself in craving your opinion of my title to England’s crown.”

Salisbury: “My lord, we long to hear it in full.”

York: “Then thus… Edward III had seven sons. Edward, the Black Prince was the first son and his son, Richard II, became king, until Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV) seized the crown and disposed of the rightful king. Harmless Richard II was murdered traitorously.”

Warwick: “Thus got the House of Lancaster the crown.”

York: “Which now they hold by force, not by right. It is from Edward III’s third son that I claim heir to the crown. King Henry is the issue of Edward’s fourth son. So if the issue of the elder son succeed before the younger, then I am king.”

Warwick: “What is more plain than this? Henry claims the crown from John of Gaunt, the fourth son. York claims it from the third.”

Salisbury and Warwick: “Long live our sovereign Richard, England’s king!”

York: “I thank you lords, but I am not your king until I be crowned and that my sword be stained with the blood of the House of Lancaster. Do you as I do in these dangerous days: wink at Suffolk’s insolence, at the Cardinal’s pride, at Somerset’s ambition, at Buckingham and all the crew of them. Till they have snared the shepherd of the flock, Gloucester, tis that they seek; and they, in seeking that, shall find their deaths, if York can prophecy.”

Warwick: “I shall one day make York a king.”

York: “And Richard shall live to make Warwick the greatest man in England but the king.”

Analysis

York makes his claim and indeed this is precisely where these three parts of the Henry VI plays are going. Edward IV and Richard III are the sons of York and they will each wear the crown following the murder of Henry VI.

Act II

Scene iii

London. A hall of justice.

Enter the King, Queen, Gloucester, the Duchess, a witch and conjurers.

King: “Stand forth, Dame Eleanor, Gloucester’s wife: your guilt is great. The witch shall be burned to ashes, and you others shall be strangled on the gallows. You, madam, will live in banishment on the Isle of Man.”

Gloucester: “Eleanor, my eyes are full of tears, my heart of grief. I beseech your Majesty give me leave to go.”

King: “Stay, Duke of Gloucester; ere you go , give up thy staff, Henry will to himself Protector be. Go in peace, Gloucester, no less beloved then when thou were Protector.”

Queen: “We see no reason why a king of years should be protected like a child. God and King Henry govern England’s realm! Now is Henry King and Margaret Queen.”

Analysis

The Duchess is banished and Gloucester is no longer Protector. As York has prophesied, once Gloucester is out of the way the rest will fall. Like an avalanche unleashed, does Act II follows Act I, as Gloucester is hounded by his many foes.  

Act II

Scene iv

London. A street

Enter Gloucester followed by his Duchess in a white sheet under arms

Duchess: “Come you, my lord, to see my open shame? Ah, Gloucester, hide thee from their hateful looks. Teach me to forget myself. Dark shall be my light and night my day. Blush not at my shame, nor stir at nothing till the axe of death hang over thee, as sure it shortly will. For Suffolk and her that hates us all, and York and the impious Cardinal, have all limed bushes to betray thy wings. Fly thou how thou can, for they’ll tangle thee.”

Gloucester: “I must offend before I am attained. And had I twenty times as many foes, and each of them had twenty times their power, all these could not procure me any scathe so long as I am loyal, true and crime-less.”

Duchess: “My joy is death and I long to see my prison.”

Analysis

So that is the end of the Duchess, who herself predicts that the other meddling lords will bring Gloucester down next.

Act III (3 scenes)

Scene i

The Abbey at Bury St Edmunds

Enter The King, Queen, Cardinal, Suffolk, York, Buckingham, Salisbury and Warwick to the Parliament

King: “I muse my Lord of Gloucester is not come.”

Queen: “Can you not see the strangeness of his altered countenance? How insolent of late he has become? He knits his brow and shows an angry eye, disdaining duty that to us belongs. First note he is near to you in descent, and should you fall he is the next will mount. By flattery hath he won the common’s hearts; and when he pleases to make commotion tis to be feared thy all will follow him.”

Suffolk: “Well hath your Highness seen into this duke. The Duchess, by his subornation, began her devilish practices, and in his simple show he harbours treason. Gloucester is a man full of deep conceit.”

Cardinal: “Did he not devise strange deaths for small offences done?”

York: “And did he not levy great sums of money through the realm for soldier’s pay in France and never sent it?”

King: “My lords, our kinsman Gloucester is as innocent as the suckling lamb or harmless dove. The Duke is virtuous, mild and too well given to work my downfall.”

Queen: “Seems he a dove? His feathers are but borrowed. For he is disposed as the hateful raven or the ravenous wolf.”

King: “Lord Somerset, what word from France?”

Somerset: “That all your interest in those territories is utterly bereft you; all is lost.”

King: “Cold news, Lord Somerset, but God’s will be done.”

York: (aside) “Cold news for me; for I had hope of France as firmly as I hope for England.”

Enter Gloucester

Suffolk: “Nay, Gloucester, I do arrest thee of high treason here.”

Gloucester: “Well Suffolk, a heart unspotted is not easily daunted. Who can accuse me? Wherein am I guilty?”

York: “Tis thought, my lord, that you took bribes of France, and, being Protector, stayed the soldier’s pay, by means whereof his Highness has lost France.”

Gloucester: “I never robbed the soldiers of their pay.”

York: “You did decide strange tortures for offenders, never heard of.”

Gloucester: “Whiles I was Protector, pity was all the fault that was in me.”

Suffolk: “But mightier crimes are laid unto your charge, whereof you cannot easily purge yourself. I do arrest you in his Highness’ name and do commit you to the Cardinal until your time of trial.”

King: “My Lord of Gloucester, tis my special hope that you will clear yourself from all suspense. My conscience tells me you are innocent.”

Gloucester: “Ah, gracious lord, these days are dangerous! Virtue is choked with foul ambition and I know their complot is to have my life. But mine is made the prologue to their play. The Cardinal’s red eyes blab his heart’s malice, and Suffolk’s cloudy brow his stormy hate; sharp Buckingham unburdens with his tongue the envious load that lies upon his heart; and dogged York, that reaches at the moon, by false accuse doth level at my life. And you, my sovereign lady, with the rest, causeless have laid disgraces upon my head. All of you have laid your heads together to make away my guiltless life.”

Cardinal: “My liege, his railing is intolerable. If those who care to keep your royal person from treason’s secret knife and traitor’s rage be thus upbraided and rated at, and the offender granted scope of speech twill make them cool in zeal unto your Grace.”

Suffolk: “Hath he not twit our sovereign lady here with ignominious words?”

Gloucester: “I lose indeed. Beshrew the winners, for they played me false.”

Buckingham: “Lord Cardinal, he is your prisoner.”

Gloucester: “Ah, thus King Henry throws away his crutch before his legs be firm to bear his body! Thus is the shepherd beaten from thy side, and wolves are gnarling who shall gnaw thee first. For good King Henry, thy decay I fear.”

King: “My heart is drowned with grief, whose flood begins to flow within mine eyes. Ah, uncle Gloucester, in thy face I see the map of honour, truth and loyalty! These great lords and Margaret our Queen do seek subversion of thy harmless life. Thou never didst them wrong, nor no man wrong, and as the butcher takes away the calf, bearing it to the bloody slaughterhouse, even so, remorseless, have they born him hence. And I can do naught but wail the loss with sad unhelpful tears and cannot do him good, so mighty are his vowed enemies. His fortunes I will weep and say between each groan, ‘Gloucester is no traitor’.”

King exits

Queen: “Believe me, lords, this Gloucester should be quickly rid the world, to rid us of the fear we have of him.”

Cardinal: “That he should die is worthy policy.”

Suffolk: “But the King will labour still to save his life; the commons happily rise to save his life; and yet we have but trivial argument that shows him worthy of death. Let him die in that he is a fox. Tis no matter how, so he be dead.”

Queen: “Suffolk, tis resolutely spoke.”

Cardinal: “I would have him dead, Suffolk, and I’ll provide his executioner.”

Suffolk: “Here is my hand; the deed is worthy doing.”

Queen: “And so say I.”

York: “And I.”

Enter a messenger

Messenger: “Great lords, from Ireland am I come to signify that rebels there are putting Englishmen to the sword.”

Queen: “This spark will prove a raging fire.”

Cardinal: “My Lord of York, to Ireland will you lead a band of men?”

York: “I will my lord, so please his Majesty.”

Suffolk: “Why, our authority is his consent.”

York: “I am content: provide me soldiers, lords.”

Cardinal: “I will deal with Gloucester that henceforth he shall trouble us no more.”

Exit all but York

York: “Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts and change misdoubt to resolution; be that thou hopes to be, or what thou art resign to death. My brain more busy than the labouring spider, weaves tedious snares to top mine enemies. Well nobles, tis politically done to send me packing with a host of men. Twas men I lacked and you will give them me; I take it kindly. Yet be well assured you put sharp weapons in a madman’s hands. I will stir up in England some black storm that shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hell; and this fell tempest shall not cease to rage until the golden circuit is on my head. And for a minister of my intent I have seduced the headstrong Jack Cade to make commotion, as full well he can. Then come I from Ireland with my strength.“

Analysis

King Henry cannot save Gloucester. He is a weak king amongst a ruthless pack of venomous lords. All the King can do is cry for Gloucester. The lords have nothing to convict Gloucester on that is worthy of death but they all agree that he simply must die, as he is first in line to the throne, should anything happen to King Henry. An insurrection is afoot in Ireland and York will lead an army of men to put down the rebellion. His plan is to finally have an army at his disposal for when he returns from Ireland. While there he has ignited the country with the riotous Jack Cade, who will defend the Yorkist cause while York is in Ireland. If Cade is successful York will simply claim the throne. If not, he will wait for his next opportunity. Jack Cade is to Henry VI, Part II what Lord Talbot and Joan of Arc were to Part I.

Act III

Scene ii

Bury St Edmunds. A room of state.

Enter murderer of Gloucester

Murderer: “Run to Lord Suffolk; let him know we have dispatched the Duke as he commanded.”

Enter Suffolk

Suffolk: “Now sirs, have you dispatched this thing?”

Murderer: “Ay, my good lord, he’s dead.”

Suffolk: “Why, that’s well said. Now away; be gone.”

Exit Suffolk and murderer. Enter the King, Queen, Cardinal and Somerset

King: “Lords, take your places. Proceed no straighter against our uncle Gloucester than from true evidence.”

Queen: “Pray God he may quit him of suspicion.”

King: “I thank thee, Meg; these words content me much.”

Re-enter Suffolk

King: “Why look you so pale? Where is our uncle? What’s the matter, Suffolk?”

Suffolk: “Dead in his bed, my Lord.”

Queen: “God forbid!”

The King swoons

Queen: “Help, lords. The King is dead! Run, go, help, help! Oh Henry, open thine eyes.”

Suffolk: “He doth revive again.”

King: “O heavenly God.”

Suffolk: “Comfort, my sovereign.”

King: “Hide not thy poison with such sugared words. Lay not thy hands on me. Their touch frights me as a serpent’s sting. Upon thy eye-balls murderous tyranny sits in grim majesty to fright the world.”

Queen: “Why do you rate my Lord Suffolk thus? He most Christian-like laments his death. And for myself – foe as he was to me – might liquid tears or blood-consuming sighs recall his life, I would be blind with weeping, just to have the noble duke alive.”

King: “Woe is me for Gloucester.”

Queen: “Be woe for me, more wretched than he is. I am no loathsome leper – look on me. Is all thy comfort shut in Gloucester’s tomb? Why, then Dame Margaret was never thy joy. Erect his statue and worship it, and make my image but an alehouse sign. Ay, me, I can no more. Die, Margaret, for Henry weeps that thou dost live so long.”

Enter Warwick and Salisbury

Warwick: “It is reported, mighty sovereign, that good Duke Gloucester was traitorously murdered by Suffolk and the Cardinal’s means. The commons, like an angry hive of bees, care not who they sting in his revenge.”

King: “My thoughts persuade my soul some violent hands were laid on Gloucester’s life! If my suspect be false, forgive me, God.”

Warwick: “Come hither, gracious sovereign, view his body.”

King: “Seeing him, I see my life in death.”

Warwick: “I do believe that violent hands were laid upon the life of the famed duke.“

Suffolk: “A shameful oath. What instance gives Lord Warwick for his vow?“

Warwick: “His face is black and full of blood; his eye balls further out than when he lived, staring full ghastly like a strangled man; his hair upreared, his nostrils stretched with struggling; his hands, abroad displayed, as one who grasped and tugged for life and was by strength subdued. It cannot be but that he was murdered here.“

Suffolk: “Why, Warwick, who should do the duke to death? Myself and the Cardinal had him in protection; and we, I hope, sir, are no murderers.”

Warwick: “But both of you were vowed Gloucester’s foes.”

Queen: “Then you suspect these noblemen?“

Warwick: “Who finds the heifer dead and bleeding fresh, and sees fast by a butcher with an axe, but will suspect twas he that made the slaughter? Even so suspicious is this tragedy.“

Queen: “Are you the butcher, Suffolk? Where is your knife?”

Suffolk: “I wear no knife. But here’s a vengeful sword that shall be scoured in his rancorous heart that slanders me with murder’s crimson badge. Say, if thou dares, that I am faulty in Gloucester’s death.”

Warwick: “Send thy soul to hell, pernicious blood-sucker of sleeping men.”

Suffolk: “Thou shall be waking while I shed thy blood.”

Warwick: “Away even now, or I will drag thee hence.”

Exit Suffolk and Warwick, who re-enter with their weapons drawn

King: “Your wrathful weapons drawn in our presence! Dare you be so bold?”

Suffolk: “The traitorous Warwick, set upon me, mighty sovereign.”

Enter Salisbury

Salisbury: “Dread Lord, the commons sends you word by me unless Lord Suffolk straight be done to death, or banished from England’s territories, they will by violence tear him from your palace and torture him with grievous lingering death. They say by him good Gloucester died. They say in him they fear your Highness’ death. Were there a serpent seen with forked tongue that slyly glided toward your Majesty, it were but necessary that you were awakened, lest, being suffered in that harmful slumber, the mortal worm might make the sleep eternal. And therefore do they cry, though you forbid, that they will guard you, wherever you will or no. From such fell serpents as false Suffolk is: with whose envenomed and fatal sting your loving uncle, twenty times his worth, they say is shamefully bereft of life.”

Suffolk: “Tis like the commons, rude unpolished hinds, could send such a message to their sovereign.”

Commons: “An answer from the King or we will all break in!”

King: “Tell them all from me I thank them for their tender loving care. For sure my thoughts do hourly prophesy mischance unto my state by Suffolk’s means. He shall not breathe infection in this air but three days longer, on the pain of death.”

Queen: “O Henry, let me plead for gentle Suffolk!”

King: “Ungentle Queen, to call him gentle Suffolk! If thou dost plead for him, thou wilt but add increase unto my wrath. When I swear it is irrevocable. If after three days thou here be found on any ground that I am ruler of, the world would not be ransom enough for your life.”

Exit all but the Queen and Suffolk

Queen: “Mischance and sorrow go along with you.”

Suffolk: “Let thy Suffolk take his heavy leave.”

Queen: “Hast thou not spirit to curse thine enemies?”

Suffolk: “A plague upon them! Poison be their drink!”

Queen: ” Get thee gone that I may know my grief. Farewell, and farewell life with thee.”

Enter Vaux

Vaux: “The Cardinal is at point of death. For suddenly a grievous sickness took him that makes him gasp and stare, blaspheming God and cursing men on earth. Sometimes he talks as if Gloucester’s ghost were by his side.”

Queen: “Go tell this heavy message to the kIng.”

Exit Vaux

Queen: “Ay, me! What is this world? What news are these? The King is coming. If thou be found by me thou are but dead.”

Suffolk: “If I depart from thee I cannot live.”

Queen: “Away. To France, sweet Suffolk. Let me hear from thee. And take my heart with thee.”

Analysis

That was quite the scene for the Lords. Gloucester is murdered, Suffolk is banished and the Cardinal is on the very brink of a horrible death. King Henry actually made an important decision, as well, by banishing Suffolk on behalf of the commoners, who were about to storm the palace to get him themselves. Margaret has lost her Suffolk and is beginning to wonder why she ever came to England. But she is a survivor and there is still a long way to go in these three Henry VI plays. And the bloodletting is hardly over.

Act III

Scene iii

London. The Cardinal’s bedchamber

Enter the King and Warwick to the Cardinal, in bed

King: “Ah, what a sign it is of an evil life where death’s approach is seen so terrible!”

Warwick: “Cardinal, it is thy sovereign speaks to thee.”

Cardinal: “O, torture me no more. I will confess. Give me some drink and bid the apothecary bring the strong poison that I bought of him.”

Warwick: “See how pangs of death do make him grin.”

King: “Peace to his soul.”

Warwick: “So bad a death argues a monstrous life.“

King: “Forebear to judge, for we are sinners all.”

Analysis

Ironically, Gloucester was likely the most innocent of all the lords and dukes.  Once the Lord Protector is dispatched the wolves can descend into the murderous chain of events that follows as they predictably wreak vengeance upon one another.  The Cardinal is the next to die in his gruesome deathbed scene and Suffolk’s fate has been sealed as well.  The field narrows further as Shakespeare prepares to unleash a new comical menace into the mix by the name of Jack Cade. 

Shakespeare’s quote about how ‘so bad a death argues a monstrous life’ is indicative of a sense of justice we can find throughout Shakespeare, where people generally get the comeuppance they deserve.  So far we can see evidence of this in Aaron, Proteus and now the Cardinal.  Many further examples will abound.  Karma is alive and well in these works.

Act IV (10 scenes)

Scene i

The coast of Kent

Enter a Lieutenant, Whitmore and Suffolk as prisoner

Suffolk: “I am a gentleman. Rate me at what thou wilt, thou shalt be paid.”

Whitmore: “What, does death affright?”

Suffolk: “Thy prisoner is a prince, the Duke of Suffolk and the honourable blood of Lancaster must not be shed by such a jaded groom.”

Whitmore: “Captain, shall I stab the forlorn swain?”

Lieutenant: “First let my words stab him. Ay, kennel, puddle, sink, whose filth and dirt troubles the silver spring where England drinks. By devilish policy art thou grown great. By thee Anjou and Maine were sold to France. The commons are up in arms, and to conclude, reproach and beggary have crept into the palace of our King. And all by thee. Away!”

Suffolk: “It is impossible that I should die by such a lowly vassal as thyself.”

Whitmore: “Come, Suffolk, I must waft thee to thy death.”

Exit Whitmore with Suffolk

Re-enter Whitmore with Suffolk’s dead body

Analysis

Suffolk joins Gloucester and the Cardinal in the afterlife, leaving Margaret, Somerset and York surrounding King Henry. Only one of them will survive the King Henry VI plays and the King is not one of them. Now on to Jack Cade! There are ten scenes in Act 4, mostly centred around Jack Cade.

Act IV

Scene ii

Blackheath

Enter George Bevis and John Holland

George: “Jack Cade the clothier means to dress the commonwealth.”

John: “So he had need, for it is threadbare. It was never a merry world in England since gentlemen came up.”

George: “O miserable age! Virtue is not regarded in handicraftsmen. Nay, the King’s council are no good workmen.”

John: “Let the magistrates be labouring men, and therefore should we be magistrates.”

Enter Jack Cade, Dick, and Smith

Cade: “Our enemies shall fall before us. My father was a Mortimer. My mother was a Plantagenet. Therefore, I am of an honourable house, and valiant I am, and able to endure much. I fear neither sword nor fire. Your captain vows reformation. I will make it a felony to drink small beer. All the realm shall be commoners, and when I am king – as king I shall be – there shall be no money; all shall eat and drink on my score, that they may worship me as their lord.”

Dick: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.“

Cade: “That I mean to do.”

Smith: “Here is the clerk of Chatham. He can read and write.”

Cade: “O, monstrous! Here’s a villain. Come here, sirrah. I must examine thee. What is your name?”

Clerk: “Emmanuel.”

Cade: “Dost thou write thy name or has thou a mark, like an honest plain-dealing man?”

Clerk: “I can write my name.”

All: “He hath confessed. Away with him. He is a villain and a traitor.”

Cade: “Hang him with his pen about his neck.”

Enter Michael

Michael: “Fly, fly, fly! Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother are hard by, with the King’s forces.”

Stafford: “Rebellious hinds, the filth and scum of Kent, marked for the gallows, lay down your weapons and go home to your cottages.”

Cade: “I am the rightful heir unto the crown.”

Stafford: “Villain, thy father was a plasterer. Jack Cade, the Duke of York has taught you this.”

Cade: “Tell the King for me I am content that he should reign, but I’ll be Protector over him.”

Stafford: “Proclaim them traitors that are with Cade and you that be the King’s friends follow me.”

Dick: “They are marching toward us. Come, forward march!”

Analysis

This is the rebellious Jack Cade’s act.  Shakespeare grants Cade nearly all of Act 4 in this middle play of Henry VI.   Jack Cade was an obscure historical figure who lead a rebellion against the English government due to the abuse of power and the corruption of Henry’s advisors and nobles.  The rebels were angry about the debt that arose after years of fighting France, only to surrender lands back to the French that Henry V had fought over and won.  Cade led a large army of discontented commoners, mostly from Kent, who ravaged the countryside before descending upon London.  King Henry offered pardons to all of the commoners if they would but return home and Cade himself was captured.  Shakespeare is generally accurate in his portrayal of the Cade Rebellion of 1450.  It is quite the dramatic backdrop to the troubles brought on by the War of the Roses and the ambitious and corrupt court.  Once the rebellion has past Shakespeare can hone in on the last gasp of the Lancastrians at the hands of the opportunistic Yorkists, increasingly led by the future Richard III, the son of York.

Act IV

Scene iii

Another part of Blackheath

Enter Jack Cade and Dick

Both sides fight and Stafford and his brother are killed.

Cade: “They fell before us like sheep. On to London, where we will have the mayor’s sword borne before us. Break open the jails and let out the prisoners!”

Analysis

Jack Cade is experiencing success and is about to take on London.

Act IV

Scene iv

London. The palace

Enter the King, Buckingham, Lord Say and the Queen, holding Suffolk’s head.

Queen: “Think on revenge and cease to weep. But who can cease to weep, and look on this? Here may his head lie on my throbbing breast; but where is the body I should embrace.”

King: “How now, madam! Still lamenting and mourning for Suffolk’s death? I fear me, love, if that I had been dead, thou would not have mourned so much for me.”

Enter a messenger

1 Messenger: “The rebels are in Southwark; fly, my Lord! Jack Cade proclaims himself Lord Mortimer, and calls your Grace usurper, openly, and vows to crown himself in Westminster. His army is a rugged multitude. All scholars, lawyers, courtiers and gentlemen they call false and intend their death.”

King: “O graceless men! they know not what they do.”

2 Messenger: “Jack Cade hath gotten London Bridge. The citizens fly and forsake their houses. The rascals, thirsting after prey, join with the traitor; and they jointly swear to spoil the city and your royal court.”

Analysis

Cade enters London in a fury in 1450. The King’s court is in tatters and the rebellion is swelling.

Act IV

Scene v

London. The Tower

Enter Lord Says

Says: “Is Jack Cade slain?”

Citizen: “No, my lord, nor likely to be slain; for they have won the bridge, killing all those that withstand them.”

Says: “The rebels have assayed to win the Tower. Fight for your King, your country and your lives.”

Analysis

For a time it appeared Cade might actually take London.

Act IV

Scene vi

London. Canon Street

Enter Jack Cade, Smith and Dick

Cade: “Now is Mortimer lord of this city. It shall be treason for any that calls me other than Lord Mortimer.”

Enter a soldier

Soldier: “Jack Cade! Jack Cade!”

Cade: “Knock him down.”

They kill him

Smith: “He’ll never call ye Jack Cade again.”

Dick: “My lord, there is an army gathered in Smithfield.”

Cade: “Come, let’s fight them. But first go and set London Bridge on fire; and, if you can, burn down the Tower too.”

Analysis

Cade believes he has taken London. He has one more scene of such optimism before it all ends quite suddenly.

Act IV

Scene vii

London

Enter Jack Cade

Jack Cade: “Now go and pull down the Savoy; others to the Inns of Court; down with them all! Burn all the records of the realm. My mouth shall be the Parliament of England.”

Messenger: “My lord, a prize, a prize! Here’s the Lord Say, who sold the towns in France.”

Cade: “Well, he shall be beheaded for it. What can thou answer to my Majesty for giving up Normandy? I must sweep the courts clean of such filth as thou art. Thou has most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar school. Thou has caused printing to be used and thou hast men about thee that talk of nouns and verbs. Thou hast appointed Justices of the Peace, to call poor men before them. Moreover, thou hast put them in prison, and because they could not read, thou hast hanged them. Away with him. He speaks Latin! Behead him! Strike off his head presently and then break into his son-in-law’s house and strike off his head, and bring them both upon two poles hither. The proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head on his shoulders unless he pay me tribute. There shall not a maid be married, but she shall pay me her maidenhead ere they have it.”

Re-enter one with the two heads on poles

Cade: “Let them kiss one another, for they loved well while alive. Now part them again, lest they consult about giving up some more towns in France. As we ride through the streets, at every corner have them kiss.”

Analysis

Cade goes out with a bang, having proposed many ideas of how he will rule the realm and having these two heads kissing atop poles as they are led throughout London.

Act IV

Scene viii

Southwark

Enter Cade and his rabblement

Cade: “Kill and knock down! Throw them into the Thames!”

Enter Buckingham and Clifford

Buckingham: “Know, Cade, we come as ambassadors of the King unto the commoners whom thou has misled. And here we pronounce free pardons for all who will forsake thee and go home in peace.”

Clifford: “Who loves the King and will embrace his pardon?”

All: “God save the King! God save the King!”

Cade: “Base peasants, do you believe him? Will you be hanged with your pardons around your necks? Hath my sword broke through London gates, that you should leave me? You are all miscreants and delight to live in slavery to the nobility. Let them break your backs, take your homes, ravish your wives and daughters before your faces. God’s curse upon you all!”

All: “We’ll follow Cade! We’ll follow Cade!”

Clifford: “Is Cade the son of Henry the Fifth. Alas, he hath no home, nor knows he how to live but by the spoil. To France, to get what you have lost. Spare England. Henry hath money; you art strong and manly. God on our side, doubt not victory.”

All: “We’ll follow the King and Clifford!”

Cade: “Was ever a feather slightly blown to and fro as this multitude? Be witness that no want of resolution is in me, but only my followers base and ignominious treasons, which makes me betake to my heels.”

Buckingham: “What, has he fled? Go and follow him, and he that brings his head unto the King shall have a thousand crowns for his reward.”

Analysis

Buckingham and Clifford are able to sway Cade’s followers to remain true to their king, and offer a considerable sum for Cade’s head. It is but finished.

Act IV

Scene ix

Killingworth Castle

King: “No sooner was I crept out of my cradle but I was made king, at nine months old. Was never there a subject who longed to be a king, as I do long and wish to be a subject.“

Enter Buckingham and Clifford

King: “Is the traitor Cade surprised?”

Clifford: “He is fled, my Lord, and all his powers do yield.”

Messenger: “The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland and with a mighty power is marching in proud array. He proclaims his arms are only to remove from thee the Duke of Somerset, whom he terms a traitor.”

King: “Thus stands my state, twixt Cade and York distressed. Like to a ship that, having escaped a tempest, is boarded with pirates. Buckingham, go and meet him and ask him what the reason is for these arms. Come wife, let’s in, and learn to govern better; for yet may England curse my wretched reign.”

Analysis

No sooner is Cade on the run then does York return from Ireland with an army of men. Our last scene of Act IV will see the demise of Cade and then Act V is much about York and his bid for the throne.

Act IV

Scene x

Kent. Iden’s garden

Cade: “Fie on ambitions! These five days have I hid in these woods and durst not peep out, for all the country is laid for me.”

Iden: “Why, rude companion, whatsoever thou be, I know thee not. Is it not enough to break into my gardens and rob my grounds?”

They fight. Cade falls.

Cade: “O, I am slain.”

Iden: “Is it Cade I have slain, that monstrous traitor?”

Cade: “Iden, farewell, and be proud of thy victory.”

Cade dies

Iden: “Die, damned wretch. And as I thrust thy body in with my sword, so wish I might thrust thy soul to hell. Hence will I drag thee headlong by the heels unto a dunghill, which shall be thy grave, and there cut off thy most ungracious head, which I will bear in triumph to the King, leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon.”

Analysis

So ends the very real story of the rebellion of Jack Cade of Kent, characterized by extreme violence and mob rule. His followers are easily led by their noses, as they are loyal to Cade one minute and to the King the next. Act V turns its attention to the House of York, as will much of Henry VI, Part III.

Act V (3 scenes)

Scene I

Fields between Dartford and Blackheath

Enter York and his army

York: “From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right and pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head. Let them obey who know not how to rule.”

Enter Buckingham

Buckingham: “York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well. Henry, our dread liege, wishes to know the reason for these arms in peace, or why thou, being a subject, as I am, should raise so great a power, or dare to bring thy force so near the court.”

York: (aside) “I am far better born than is the King. More like a king, but I must make fair weather yet a while, till Henry be more weak and I more strong.”

York: “Buckingham, pardon me, my mind was troubled with deep melancholy. The cause why I have brought this army hither is to remove proud Somerset from the King.”

Buckinghamm: “The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.”

York: “Is he prisoner?”

Buckingham: “He is prisoner.”

York: “Then Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers. ‘Soldiers, I thank you all; disperse yourselves, and let my sovereign, virtuous Henry, command all my sons.'”

Enter the King

King: “Buckingham, does York intend no harm to us, that thus he marched with thee arm in arm?”

York: “In all submission and humility, York doth present himself unto your Highness.”

King: “Then what intends these forces?”

York: “To heave the traitor Somerset from hence, and fight against that monstrous rebel Cade.”

Enter Iden with Cade’s head

Iden: “I present your Grace a traitor’s head, the head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.”

King: “The head of Cade! O let me view his visage, being dead, that living wrought me such exceeding trouble. Iden, kneel down and rise up a knight. We give thee for reward a thousand marks.”

Enter the Queen and Somerset

York: “How now! Is Somerset at liberty? Shall I endure his sight? False King, why hast thou broken faith with me? King did I call thee? No, thou art not king; not fit to govern and rule multitudes. That head of thine does not become a crown; give place. Thou shalt rule no more.”

Somerset: “O monstrous traitor; I arrest thee, York, of capital treason against King and crown.”

York: “Sirrah, call in my sons to be my bail.”

Queen: “Call hither Clifford to say if the bastard boys of York shall be the surety for their traitor father.”

York: “O, England’s bloody scourge! The sons of York, thy betters in their birth, shall be thy father’s bail.”

Enter York’s sons, Edward and Richard Plantagenet

Enter Clifford and his son

Queen: “And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.”

Clifford: “Health and all happiness to my Lord, the King.”

York: “We are thy sovereign, Clifford, kneel again. For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.”

Clifford: “This is my King, York. I do not mistake; but thou mistakes me much to think I do. He is a traitor. Lead him to the Tower and chop away that factious pate of his.”

Queen: “His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.”

York: “Will you not, sons?”

Edward: “Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.”

Richard: “And if words will not, then our weapons shall.”

Clifford: “Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!”

York: “Look in the mirror, and call thy image so; I am thy king, and thou a false-hearted traitor. Call hither to the stake my two brave bears. They may astonish these fell-lurking curs.”

Enter Warwick and Salisbury

Clifford: “Are these thy bears? We’ll bait thy bears to death.”

King: “Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow? Old Salisbury, shame on thy silver hair. Where is faith? Where is loyalty? For shame! In duty bend thy knee to me.”

Salisbury: “My Lord, I have considered the title of this most renowned duke and in my conscience I do repute his Grace the rightful heir to England’s royal seat.”

King: “Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me and canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?”

Salisbury: “It is great sin to swear unto a sin; but greater sin to keep a sinful oath.”

King: “Call Buckingham and bid him arm himself.”

York: “Call Buckingham and all the friends thou hast. I am resolved for death or dignity.”

Clifford: “The first, I warrant thee.”

Young Clifford: “And so to arms, father, to quell the rebel and his complices.”

Richard: “Fie, for shame. You shall sup with Jesus Christ tonight.”

Young Clifford: “Foul stigmatic, that’s more than thou can tell.”

Richard: “If not in heaven, you’ll surely sup in hell.”

Analysis

The battle between Lancaster and York has begun in earnest, as York explodes against the King, calling him unfit to rule. Buckingham, Somerset, Clifford and the Queen stand by Henry, while Warwick and Salisbury support York and his two sons, who will each be future kings, as Edward IV and Richard III. The sideshows are over. The main bout is underway.

Act V

Scene ii

Saint Albans

Enter Warwick

Warwick: “Clifford, come forth and fight me. Of one or both of us the time has come.”

York: “Hold, Warwick, for I myself must hunt this dear to death.”

York and Clifford fight and Clifford dies

York: “Thus war hast given thee peace, for thou art still.“

Young Clifford: “Shame and confusion. O war, thou son of hell.”

Young Clifford sees his father’s dead body

Young Clifford: “My heart is turned to stone. York not our old men spares; no more will I their babes. Henceforth, I will not have to do with pity. Meet I an infant of the House of York, into as many gobbets will I cut it. In cruelty will I seek my fame.”

Enter Richard and Somerset fighting. Somerset is killed

Richard: “So, lie thou there. Priests pray for enemies, but princes kill.”

Queen: “Away, my Lord!”

King: “Can we outrun the heavens? Good Margaret, stay.”

Queen: “If you be taken, we then should see the bottom of all our fortunes. But if we happily escape, we shall to London get, where you are loved and where this breach may readily be stopped.”

Analysis

York is making a convincing bid for the throne, as King Henry and Margaret flee back to London. The stage is set for outright war between the two sides in these Wars of the Roses. The blood is openly flowing now. Henry VI, Part III will determine the outcome.

Act V

Scene iii

Fields near Saint Albans

Enter York, Richard and Warwick

York: “Of Salisbury, who can report?”

Richard: “Look, he comes.”

Salisbury: “I thank you, Richard. Three times today you have saved me from imminent death. We have not got that which we have. Tis not enough that our foes have fled.”

York: “The King is fled to London to call Parliament. Shall we after them?”

Warwick: “After them, nay, before them, if we can. Twas a glorious day, won by famous York. To London all and more such days as these to us befall.”

Analysis

Just as Henry VI, Part I set us up for the violence and chaos of Part II, so will Part II set us up for the next two plays in this sequence.  Part I ended with Margaret’s arrival as Henry’s queen and Suffolk’s plot to rule the nation through her.  Part II ends with King Henry, Queen Margaret and their court on the run from York and his brood, with Suffolk, Gloucester, the Cardinal, Somerset, Jack Cade and Lord Clifford all dead.  If Part I belonged to Lord Talbot and Joan of Arc and Part II introduced Jack Cade, then Part III will be increasingly possessed by young Richard of York, who will grow so large that his very own play will follow. The fact that Queen Margaret has survived should be no surprise to anyone.  She is a devious and powerful figure in Part II, protected by Henry and permitted to plot her vengeance with the best of them.  York seems one of many powerful lords in Part I but is exposed as a twisted villain intent on the throne throughout Part II, where he seems a prototype of his son Richard.  

Final Thoughts:

Henry VI, Part II is essentially a brilliant commentary on the futility of the War of the Roses.  Part I was a primer on the background and ramp up to the conflict and Part III will see it through to the Yorkist victory.  But Part II unleashes the dogs of civil war upon England.  The complex numbers of dukes and earls have been dramatically reduced by the end of Part II, leaving the King, his Queen and their supporters to face York, his sons and their followers.

After the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1588, patriotism was at an all-time high in England.  Only two years later Shakespeare begins his first four-play sequence of English history as drama.  Part II was very popular during his lifetime but not revived until 1864 in Germany.  The entire trilogy was finally staged for the first time in 1906.  As mentioned in the background to Part I there is quite a bit available on youtube.  There is a fabulous Part II filmed at the Grand Theatre in Swansea and performed by the English Shakespeare Company (2:41:04), again, the same production as you will find above for Part I and Part III as well as Richard III.  Superb acting, especially the role of Richard III.