The French king speaks with the measured authority of someone who expects to be persuaded, not surprised — he shifts his position based on information and dignity, not passion. Watch for his characteristic movement from generosity to fury: when his dignity is affronted, he transforms completely.
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,
Sit down with us. It ill befits thy state
And birth that thou shouldst stand while Lewis doth sit.
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret, Sit down with us. It ill befits your state And birth that you shouldst stand while Lewis does sit.
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret, Sit down with us. It ill befits your state And birth that you shouldst stand while Lewis does sit.
yeah brutal
No, mighty King of France. Now Margaret
Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve
Where kings command. I was, I must confess,
Great Albion’s queen in former golden days;
But now mischance hath trod my title down
And with dishonour laid me on the ground,
Where I must take like seat unto my fortune
And to my humble seat conform myself.
No, mighty King of France. Now Margaret Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve Where kings command. I was, I must confess, Great Albion’s queen in former golden days; But now mischance has trod my title down And with dishonour laid me on the ground, Where I must take like seat unto my fortune And to my humble seat conform myself.
No, mighty King of France. Now Margaret Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve Where kings command. I was, I must confess, Great Albion’s queen in former golden days; But now mischance has trod my title down And with dishonour laid me on the ground, Where I must take like seat unto my fortune And to my humble seat conform myself.
war blood death everything is chaos
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep despair?
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep despair?
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep despair?
hm
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears
And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
hm
Whate’er it be, be thou still like thyself,
And sit thee by our side. Yield not thy neck
Whate’er it be, be you still like thyself, And sit you by our side. Yield not your neck
Whate’er it be, be you still like thyself, And sit you by our side. Yield not your neck
hm
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak.
Now, therefore, be it known to noble Lewis
That Henry, sole possessor of my love,
Is, of a king, become a banished man
And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn;
While proud ambitious Edward, Duke of York,
Usurps the regal title and the seat
Of England’s true-anointed lawful king.
This is the cause that I, poor Margaret,
With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir,
Am come to crave thy just and lawful aid;
And if thou fail us, all our hope is done.
Scotland hath will to help, but cannot help;
Our people and our peers are both misled,
Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight,
And, as thou seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak. Now, therefore, be it known to noble Lewis That Henry, sole possessor of my love, Is, of a king, become a banished man And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn; While proud ambitious Edward, Duke of York, Usurps the regal title and the seat Of England’s true-anointed lawful king. This is the cause that I, poor Margaret, With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir, Am come to crave your just and lawful aid; And if you fail us, all our hope is done. Scotland has will to help, but cannot help; Our people and our peers are both misled, Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight, And, as you seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak. Now, therefore, be it known to noble Lewis That Henry, sole possessor of my love, Is, of a king, become a banished man And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn; While proud ambitious Edward, Duke of York, Usurps the regal title and the seat Of England’s true-anointed lawful king. This is the cause that I, poor Margaret, With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir, Am come to crave your just and lawful aid; And if you fail us, all our hope is done. Scotland has will to help, but can't help; Our people and our peers are both misled, Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight, And, as you seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
war blood death everything is chaos
Renowned queen, with patience calm the storm
While we bethink a means to break it off.
Renowned queen, with patience calm the storm While we bethink a means to break it off.
Renowned queen, with patience calm the storm While we bethink a means to break it off.
hm
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
hm
The more I stay, the more I’ll succour thee.
The more I stay, the more I’ll succour you.
The more I stay, the more I’ll succour you.
hm
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow.
And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow. And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow. And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
hm
Edward IV's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in May 1464 was historically one of the most politically reckless decisions of the Wars of the Roses. Warwick was in France negotiating the Bona of Savoy match — and discovered upon his return that Edward had been secretly married for months. The historical record suggests Warwick was genuinely humiliated: he had pledged his personal honor to the French court on a match that Edward knew he wasn't going to make. The Shakespeare scene compresses this — the news arrives while Warwick is literally still in France making the pitch — which is theatrically perfect even if it slightly telescopes the timeline. The underlying fact is accurate: a king's impulsive private decision, made without his chief advisor's knowledge, destroyed the most important diplomatic relationship of his reign and alienated the man who built his power. Edward's flaw — the appetite that overrides strategy — here produces its most catastrophic consequence.
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
hm
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
hm
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings thee to France?
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings you to France?
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings you to France?
hm
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise,
For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise, For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise, For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
hm
From worthy Edward, king of Albion,
My lord and sovereign, and thy vowed friend,
I come, in kindness and unfeigned love,
First, to do greetings to thy royal person,
And then to crave a league of amity,
And lastly, to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant
That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister,
To England’s king in lawful marriage.
From worthy Edward, king of Albion, My lord and sovereign, and your vowed friend, I come, in kindness and unfeigned love, First, to do greetings to your royal person, And then to crave a league of amity, And lastly, to confirm that amity With nuptial knot, if you vouchsafe to grant That virtuous Lady Bona, your fair sister, To England’s king in lawful marriage.
From worthy Edward, king of Albion, My lord and sovereign, and your vowed friend, I come, in kindness and unfeigned love, First, to do greetings to your royal person, And then to crave a league of amity, And lastly, to confirm that amity With nuptial knot, if you vouchsafe to grant That virtuous Lady Bona, your fair sister, To England’s king in lawful marriage.
war blood death everything is chaos
I am commanded, with your leave and favour,
Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue
To tell the passion of my sovereign’s heart,
Where fame, late entering at his heedful ears,
Hath placed thy beauty’s image and thy virtue.
I am commanded, with your leave and favour, Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue To tell the passion of my sovereign’s heart, Where fame, late entering at his heedful ears, has placed your beauty’s image and your virtue.
I am commanded, with your leave and favour, Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue To tell the passion of my sovereign’s heart, Where fame, late entering at his heedful ears, has placed your beauty’s image and your virtue.
war blood death everything is chaos
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak
Before you answer Warwick. His demand
Springs not from Edward’s well-meant honest love,
But from deceit, bred by necessity;
For how can tyrants safely govern home
Unless abroad they purchase great alliance?
To prove him tyrant this reason may suffice,
That Henry liveth still; but were he dead,
Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son.
Look therefore, Lewis, that by this league and marriage
Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonour;
For though usurpers sway the rule awhile,
Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak Before you answer Warwick. His demand Springs not from Edward’s well-meant honest love, But from deceit, bred by necessity; For how can tyrants safely govern home Unless abroad they purchase great alliance? To prove him tyrant this reason may suffice, That Henry liveth still; but were he dead, Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son. Look therefore, Lewis, that by this league and marriage you draw not on your danger and dishonour; For though usurpers sway the rule awhile, Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak Before you answer Warwick. His demand Springs not from Edward’s well-meant honest love, But from deceit, bred by necessity; For how can tyrants safely govern home Unless abroad they purchase great alliance? To prove him tyrant this reason may suffice, That Henry liveth still; but were he dead, Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son. Look therefore, Lewis, that by this league and marriage you draw not on your danger and dishonour; For though usurpers sway the rule awhile, Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
how did that even happen
Injurious Margaret!
Injurious Margaret!
Injurious Margaret!
hm
And why not Queen?
And why not Queen?
And why not Queen?
hm
Because thy father Henry did usurp,
And thou no more art prince than she is queen.
Because your father Henry did usurp, And you no more are prince than she is queen.
Because your father Henry did usurp, And you no more are prince than she is queen.
hm
Oxford functions as the scholarly conscience of the Lancastrian cause — he argues from historical lineage and personal injury. His voice is precise and formal. Watch for how he turns every argument into a pedigree.
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt,
Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain;
And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth,
Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest;
And after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth,
Who by his prowess conquered all France.
From these our Henry lineally descends.
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt, Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain; And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth, Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest; And after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth, Who by his prowess conquered all France. From these our Henry lineally descends.
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt, Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain; And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth, Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest; And after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth, Who by his prowess conquered all France. From these our Henry lineally descends.
war blood death everything is chaos
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse
You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten?
Methinks these peers of France should smile at that.
But for the rest: you tell a pedigree
Of threescore and two years, a silly time
To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse You told not how Henry the Sixth has lost All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten? I think these peers of France should smile at that. But for the rest: you tell a pedigree Of threescore and two years, a silly time To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse You told not how Henry the Sixth has lost All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten? I think these peers of France should smile at that. But for the rest: you tell a pedigree Of threescore and two years, a silly time To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
how did that even happen
Why, Warwick, canst thou speak against thy liege,
Whom thou obeyed’st thirty and six years,
And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
Why, Warwick, can you speak against your liege, Whom you obeyed’st thirty and six years, And not bewray your treason with a blush?
Why, Warwick, can you speak against your liege, Whom you obeyed’st thirty and six years, And not bewray your treason with a blush?
yeah brutal
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
For shame! Leave Henry, and call Edward king.
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right, Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree? For shame! Leave Henry, and call Edward king.
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right, Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree? For shame! Leave Henry, and call Edward king.
yeah brutal
The most important line in the scene is Warwick's final soliloquy: 'Not that I pity Henry's misery, / But seek revenge on Edward's mockery.' This strips away every noble justification and leaves the truth: Warwick is switching sides for pride, not principle. Throughout the play, Warwick has presented himself as the principled arbiter of legitimate rule — the man who makes and unmakes kings based on what England needs. His speech in 3-3-071 still carries this register: lists of sacrifices, rhetorical questions about betrayal, declarations of honor. But the soliloquy contradicts all of it. He doesn't care about Henry. He cares that Edward made him look foolish. Shakespeare is showing us that the high political language of legitimacy and honor is almost always a cover for something more personal. Warwick's defection will eventually kill him and reverse everything he built — all because a king he chose couldn't be bothered to consult him before getting married.
Call him my king by whose injurious doom
My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere,
Was done to death? And more than so, my father,
Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
When nature brought him to the door of death?
No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm,
This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
Call him my king by whose injurious doom My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere, Was done to death? And more than so, my father, Even in the downfall of his mellowed years, When nature brought him to the door of death? No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm, This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
Call him my king by whose injurious doom My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere, Was done to death? And more than so, my father, Even in the downfall of his mellowed years, When nature brought him to the door of death? No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm, This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
they are dead
And I the house of York.
And I the house of York.
And I the house of York.
hm
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,
Vouchsafe at our request to stand aside
While I use further conference with Warwick.
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford, Vouchsafe at our request to stand aside While I use further conference with Warwick.
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford, Vouchsafe at our request to stand aside While I use further conference with Warwick.
yeah brutal
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him not!
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him not!
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him not!
hm
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,
Is Edward your true king? For I were loath
To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon your conscience, Is Edward your true king? For I were loath To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon your conscience, Is Edward your true king? For I were loath To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
yeah brutal
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour.
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour.
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour.
hm
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
hm
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
hm
Then further, all dissembling set aside,
Tell me for truth the measure of his love
Unto our sister Bona.
Then further, all dissembling set aside, Tell me for truth the measure of his love Unto our sister Bona.
Then further, all dissembling set aside, Tell me for truth the measure of his love Unto our sister Bona.
yeah brutal
Such it seems
As may beseem a monarch like himself.
Myself have often heard him say and swear
That this his love was an eternal plant,
Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground,
The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun,
Exempt from envy, but not from disdain,
Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
Such it seems As may beseem a monarch like himself. Myself have often heard him say and swear That this his love was an eternal plant, Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground, The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun, Exempt from envy, but not from disdain, Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
Such it seems As may beseem a monarch like himself. Myself have often heard him say and swear That this his love was an eternal plant, Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground, The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun, Exempt from envy, but not from disdain, Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
war blood death everything is chaos
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
hm
Bona has almost no lines until the moment of crisis, but her voice when she speaks is remarkable — she pivots instantly from diplomatic pawn to injured party, with a cold anger that outstrips Margaret's. Watch for her 'willow garland' line: it is one of the sharpest in the scene.
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
hm
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s.
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make,
Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised.
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s. And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Touching the jointure that your king must make, Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised. Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s. And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Touching the jointure that your king must make, Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised. Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
war blood death everything is chaos
To Edward, but not to the English king.
To Edward, but not to the English king.
To Edward, but not to the English king.
hm
Margaret's mission to France in 3-3 is one of the great examples of theatrical negotiation in the history plays. She arrives with almost nothing — a deposed king, a teenage prince, a depleted treasury — and she plays her hand brilliantly. She performs humility without surrendering dignity (the sail metaphor). She makes her case emotionally before Warwick can rebut it logically. When Lewis starts to drift toward Warwick's position, she doesn't compete — she simply refuses to leave. Her claim that she will use 'words and tears — both full of truth' to expose Warwick is dramatically ironic: she doesn't need to, because Edward's letter does her work for her. Her patience is eventually vindicated not by her own persuasion but by the structural fact that Edward is impossible to manage. The scene ends with Margaret winning everything she came for — but owing it to Edward's folly rather than her own brilliance. She understands this, and the brief 'Let me give humble thanks for all at once' captures it perfectly.
Deceitful Warwick, it was thy device
By this alliance to make void my suit.
Before thy coming Lewis was Henry’s friend.
Deceitful Warwick, it was your device By this alliance to make void my suit. Before your coming Lewis was Henry’s friend.
Deceitful Warwick, it was your device By this alliance to make void my suit. Before your coming Lewis was Henry’s friend.
yeah brutal
And still is friend to him and Margaret.
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward’s good success,
Then ’tis but reason that I be released
From giving aid which late I promised.
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
That your estate requires and mine can yield.
And still is friend to him and Margaret. But if your title to the crown be weak, As may appear by Edward’s good success, Then ’tis but reason that I be released From giving aid which late I promised. Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand That your estate requires and mine can yield.
And still is friend to him and Margaret. But if your title to the crown be weak, As may appear by Edward’s good success, Then ’tis but reason that I be released From giving aid which late I promised. Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand That your estate requires and mine can yield.
war blood death everything is chaos
Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease,
Where, having nothing, nothing can he lose.
And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,
You have a father able to maintain you,
And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease, Where, having nothing, nothing can he lose. And as for you yourself, our quondam queen, You have a father able to maintain you, And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease, Where, having nothing, nothing can he lose. And as for you yourself, our quondam queen, You have a father able to maintain you, And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
war blood death everything is chaos
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick,
Proud setter up and puller down of kings!
I will not hence till with my talk and tears,
Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold
Thy sly conveyance and thy lord’s false love;
For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick, Proud setter up and puller down of kings! I will not hence till with my talk and tears, Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold your sly conveyance and your lord’s false love; For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick, Proud setter up and puller down of kings! I won't hence till with my talk and tears, Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold your sly conveyance and your lord’s false love; For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
proof right here
Warwick, this is some post to us or thee.
Warwick, this is some post to us or you.
Warwick, this is some post to us or you.
hm
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you.
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
These from our king unto your Majesty.
And, madam, these for you, from whom I know not.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you. Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague. These from our king unto your Majesty. And, madam, these for you, from whom I know not.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you. Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague. These from our king unto your Majesty. And, madam, these for you, from whom I know not.
yeah brutal
I like it well that our fair Queen and mistress
Smiles at her news while Warwick frowns at his.
I like it well that our fair Queen and mistress Smiles at her news while Warwick frowns at his.
I like it well that our fair Queen and mistress Smiles at her news while Warwick frowns at his.
hm
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
no, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled. I hope all’s for the best.
no, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled. I hope all’s for the best.
how did that even happen
Warwick, what are thy news? And yours, fair Queen?
Warwick, what are your news? And yours, fair Queen?
Warwick, what are your news? And yours, fair Queen?
hm
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
hm
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
hm
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
Sends me a paper to persuade me patience?
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
What, has your king married the Lady Grey, And now, to soothe your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France? Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
What, has your king married the Lady Grey, And now, to soothe your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France? Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
war blood death everything is chaos
I told your majesty as much before;
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
I told your majesty as much before; This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
I told your majesty as much before; This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
hm
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven,
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonours me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
Did I forget that by the house of York
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
And am I guerdoned at the last with shame?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honour;
And to repair my honour lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
My noble Queen, let former grudges pass,
And henceforth I am thy true servitor.
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona,
And replant Henry in his former state.
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven, And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss, That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s— No more my king, for he dishonours me, But most himself, if he could see his shame. Did I forget that by the house of York My father came untimely to his death? Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece? Did I impale him with the regal crown? Did I put Henry from his native right? And am I guerdoned at the last with shame? Shame on himself, for my desert is honour; And to repair my honour lost for him, I here renounce him and return to Henry. My noble Queen, let former grudges pass, And henceforth I am your true servitor. I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona, And replant Henry in his former state.
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven, And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss, That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s— No more my king, for he dishonours me, But most himself, if he could see his shame. Did I forget that by the house of York My father came untimely to his death? Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece? Did I impale him with the regal crown? Did I put Henry from his native right? And am I guerdoned at the last with shame? Shame on himself, for my desert is honour; And to repair my honour lost for him, I here renounce him and return to Henry. My noble Queen, let former grudges pass, And henceforth I am your true servitor. I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona, And replant Henry in his former state.
they are dead
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love;
And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
And joy that thou becom’st King Henry’s friend.
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love; And I forgive and quite forget old faults, And joy that you becom’st King Henry’s friend.
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love; And I forgive and quite forget old faults, And joy that you becom’st King Henry’s friend.
yeah brutal
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick — 'the Kingmaker' — was the most powerful magnate in 15th-century England and the model for all subsequent uses of that term. He wielded more personal military and political power than any English subject before or after him, controlling vast estates, commanding armies, and exercising what amounted to a veto over royal appointments and policy. He backed Edward IV's seizure of the throne in 1461, managing the diplomatic and military campaign that made it possible. His defection to Lancaster in 1470 — the 'Re-adoption' of Henry VI — actually succeeded for a few months, during which Henry was restored to the throne and Edward fled to France. The restoration lasted until Warwick was killed at the Battle of Barnet in April 1471. Shakespeare compresses and dramatizes all of this, but the essential dynamic is historically accurate: Warwick made Edward king, and when Edward's autonomy collided with Warwick's pride, Warwick tried to unmake him. He almost succeeded. Keep watching.
So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned friend,
That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I’ll undertake to land them on our coast
And force the tyrant from his seat by war.
’Tis not his new-made bride shall succour him;
And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me,
He’s very likely now to fall from him
For matching more for wanton lust than honour,
Or than for strength and safety of our country.
So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned friend, That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us With some few bands of chosen soldiers, I’ll undertake to land them on our coast And force the tyrant from his seat by war. ’Tis not his new-made bride shall succour him; And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me, He’s very likely now to fall from him For matching more for wanton lust than honour, Or than for strength and safety of our country.
So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned friend, That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us With some few bands of chosen soldiers, I’ll undertake to land them on our coast And force the tyrant from his seat by war. ’Tis not his new-made bride shall succour him; And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me, He’s very likely now to fall from him For matching more for wanton lust than honour, Or than for strength and safety of our country.
war blood death everything is chaos
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged
But by thy help to this distressed queen?
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged But by your help to this distressed queen?
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged But by your help to this distressed queen?
how did that even happen
Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live
Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live Unless you rescue him from foul despair?
Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live Unless you rescue him from foul despair?
how did that even happen
My quarrel and this English queen’s are one.
My quarrel and this English queen’s are one.
My quarrel and this English queen’s are one.
hm
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
hm
And mine with hers, and thine, and Margaret’s.
Therefore, at last I firmly am resolved
You shall have aid.
And mine with hers, and your, and Margaret’s. Therefore, at last I firmly am resolved You shall have aid.
And mine with hers, and your, and Margaret’s. Therefore, at last I firmly am resolved You shall have aid.
yeah brutal
Let me give humble thanks for all at once.
Let me give humble thanks for all at once.
Let me give humble thanks for all at once.
hm
Then, England’s messenger, return in post
And tell false Edward, thy supposed king,
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers
To revel it with him and his new bride.
Thou seest what’s past; go fear thy king withal.
Then, England’s messenger, return in post And tell false Edward, your supposed king, That Lewis of France is sending over maskers To revel it with him and his new bride. you seest what’s past; go fear your king withal.
Then, England’s messenger, return in post And tell false Edward, your supposed king, That Lewis of France is sending over maskers To revel it with him and his new bride. you seest what’s past; go fear your king withal.
war blood death everything is chaos
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly,
I’ll wear the willow garland for his sake.
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly, I’ll wear the willow garland for his sake.
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly, I’ll wear the willow garland for his sake.
hm
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside,
And I am ready to put armour on.
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside, And I am ready to put armour on.
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside, And I am ready to put armour on.
hm
Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore I’ll uncrown him ere ’t be long.
There’s thy reward; be gone.
Tell him from me that he has done me wrong, And therefore I’ll uncrown him before ’t be long. There’s your reward; be gone.
Tell him from me that he has done me wrong, And therefore I’ll uncrown him before ’t be long. There’s your reward; be gone.
yeah brutal
But, Warwick,
Thou and Oxford, with five thousand men,
Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle;
And, as occasion serves, this noble Queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet, ere thou go, but answer me one doubt:
What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty?
But, Warwick, you and Oxford, with five thousand men, Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle; And, as occasion serves, this noble Queen And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. Yet, before you go, but answer me one doubt: What pledge have we of your firm loyalty?
But, Warwick, you and Oxford, with five thousand men, Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle; And, as occasion serves, this noble Queen And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. Yet, before you go, but answer me one doubt: What pledge have we of your firm loyalty?
war blood death everything is chaos
This shall assure my constant loyalty:
That if our Queen and this young prince agree,
I’ll join mine eldest daughter and my joy
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
This shall assure my constant loyalty: That if our Queen and this young prince agree, I’ll join mine eldest daughter and my joy To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
This shall assure my constant loyalty: That if our Queen and this young prince agree, I’ll join mine eldest daughter and my joy To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
yeah brutal
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion.
Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous,
Therefore delay not, give thy hand to Warwick,
And with thy hand thy faith irrevocable
That only Warwick’s daughter shall be thine.
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion. Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, Therefore delay not, give your hand to Warwick, And with your hand your faith irrevocable That only Warwick’s daughter shall be your.
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion. Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, Therefore delay not, give your hand to Warwick, And with your hand your faith irrevocable That only Warwick’s daughter shall be your.
war blood death everything is chaos
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it;
And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it; And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it; And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
hm
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied,
And thou, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral,
Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.
I long till Edward fall by war’s mischance
For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, And you, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral, Shall waft them over with our royal fleet. I long till Edward fall by war’s mischance For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, And you, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral, Shall waft them over with our royal fleet. I long till Edward fall by war’s mischance For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
war blood death everything is chaos
I came from Edward as ambassador,
But I return his sworn and mortal foe.
Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me,
But dreadful war shall answer his demand.
Had he none else to make a stale but me?
Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow.
I was the chief that raised him to the crown,
And I’ll be chief to bring him down again:
Not that I pity Henry’s misery,
But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
I came from Edward as ambassador, But I return his sworn and mortal foe. Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me, But dreadful war shall answer his demand. Had he none else to make a stale but me? Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow. I was the chief that raised him to the crown, And I’ll be chief to bring him down again: Not that I pity Henry’s misery, But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
I came from Edward as ambassador, But I return his sworn and mortal foe. Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me, But dreadful war shall answer his demand. Had he none else to make a stale but me? Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow. I was the chief that raised him to the crown, And I’ll be chief to bring him down again: Not that I pity Henry’s misery, But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
they charged at us
The Reckoning
This is the hinge of the entire play. Everything that came before — the battles, the oaths, the crownings — gets undone in one scene because a king couldn't keep his hands off a widow. Margaret's diplomatic mission, which looked hopeless at the start of the scene, succeeds through no effort of her own: Edward's impulsiveness does her work for her. And Warwick, the man who made Edward king, crosses the stage, crosses allegiances, and becomes the most dangerous enemy Edward has ever had. The audience leaves knowing the second half of the play will be a complete reversal — and that it happened because of a love match made in private while the world was looking elsewhere.
If this happened today…
You're at an international summit trying to negotiate a trade deal that would save your company. Your biggest competitor shows up at the same summit to negotiate a different deal with the same country. While you're both making your cases, your CEO back home sends a press release announcing he's married someone completely unexpected — not the person whose family his ambassador was promising to deliver. The other side reads the press release. Your competitor (the ambassador) turns to you and says: 'Your CEO just made me look like a fool. I'm switching sides. What do you need?' Your company's worst enemy just became your best ally, entirely by accident.