Master Lieutenant, now that God and friends
Have shaken Edward from the regal seat
And turned my captive state to liberty,
My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys,
At our enlargement what are thy due fees?
Master Lieutenant, now that God and my supporters Have removed Edward from the royal throne And changed my captivity into freedom, My fear into hope, my sorrows into joy, What payment do you deserve for my release?
Lieutenant, now that God and our allies have knocked Edward off the throne and turned my imprisonment into freedom—changing my fear into hope and my sadness into joy—what reward do you deserve?
hey, now that edward's off the throne and you freed me what do i owe you?
The Lieutenant of the Tower speaks in deferential, measured formality — a man used to being on the wrong end of whoever holds power this week.
Subjects may challenge nothing of their sovereigns;
But if an humble prayer may prevail,
I then crave pardon of your Majesty.
Subjects cannot demand anything from their sovereigns; But if a respectful request might help, I ask for your forgiveness, your Majesty.
Subjects can't really demand anything from their king, but if you'd listen to a humble request, all I want is your forgiveness.
subjects can't ask kings for anything but i just want your pardon
For what, lieutenant? For well using me?
Nay, be thou sure I’ll well requite thy kindness,
For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure;
Ay, such a pleasure as incaged birds
Conceive when, after many moody thoughts,
At last by notes of household harmony
They quite forget their loss of liberty.
But, Warwick, after God thou sett’st me free,
And chiefly therefore I thank God and thee;
He was the author, thou the instrument.
Therefore, that I may conquer Fortune’s spite,
By living low where Fortune cannot hurt me,
And that the people of this blessed land
May not be punished with my thwarting stars,
Warwick, although my head still wear the crown,
I here resign my government to thee,
For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.
For what, Lieutenant? For treating me well? No, I promise I'll reward your kindness, Because it made my imprisonment bearable; Yes, the kind of pleasure that trapped birds Feel when, after many sad moments, At last through household melodies They completely forget their lost freedom. But Warwick, after God, you set me free, And mostly for this reason I thank God and you; He was the author, you were the instrument. Therefore, so I may escape Fortune's malice, By living humbly where Fortune cannot harm me, And so the people of this blessed land May not be punished by my unlucky stars, Warwick, even though my head still wears the crown, I surrender my government to you here, Because you are fortunate in all your actions.
What am I paying you for, Lieutenant? For treating me decently? Look, I'll absolutely reward your kindness—you made my imprisonment almost pleasant, the way a caged bird finds comfort in household music and forgets it's trapped. But Warwick, after God, you're the one who freed me, and that's why I thank God and you most of all—he made the plan, you carried it out. So I can escape Fortune's cruelty and live quietly where it can't touch me, and so the people of this country don't suffer because of my bad luck, I'm handing my government over to you, Warwick, even though I still wear the crown. You've been lucky in everything you've done.
for treating me right ill reward you my time locked up wasnt so bad because of you like a caged bird comforted by home songs warwick, you freed me after god did im handing you the government so fortune can't hurt this land through me
Your Grace hath still been famed for virtuous,
And now may seem as wise as virtuous
By spying and avoiding Fortune’s malice,
For few men rightly temper with the stars;
Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace,
For choosing me when Clarence is in place.
Your Majesty has always been known for virtue, And now may appear as wise as virtuous By recognizing and avoiding Fortune's malice, For few men know how to manage the stars; Yet in this one thing let me criticize you, For choosing me when Clarence is available.
Your Majesty, you've always had a reputation for virtue, and now you look just as wise as you are good by seeing Fortune's tricks and avoiding them—most people don't know how to handle fate like that. But I have to push back on one thing: why choose me when Clarence is right there?
youve always been virtuous and now youre wise too for avoiding misfortune but why pick me over clarence?
No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway,
To whom the heavens in thy nativity
Adjudged an olive branch and laurel crown,
As likely to be blest in peace and war;
And therefore I yield thee my free consent.
No, Warwick, you are worthy of leadership, To whom the heavens at your birth Assigned an olive branch and laurel crown, As one likely to be blessed in peace and war; And therefore I give you my full support.
No, Warwick, you deserve to lead—the heavens decided at your birth that you'd wear the olive branch and laurel crown, blessed in both peace and war. That's why I'm giving you my complete support.
nah warwick you're the one for this heaven blessed you for peace and war im with you all the way
And I choose Clarence only for Protector.
And I choose Clarence only as Protector.
And I'm choosing Clarence as Protector.
and im choosing clarence as protector
Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands.
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts,
That no dissension hinder government.
I make you both Protectors of this land,
While I myself will lead a private life
And in devotion spend my latter days,
To sin’s rebuke and my Creator’s praise.
Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands. Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts, So that no conflict blocks government. I make you both Protectors of this land, While I myself will live a private life And spend my remaining days in devotion, To rebuke sin and praise my Creator.
Warwick and Clarence, both give me your hands. Now join your hands together, and join your hearts too, so there's no conflict in running the government. I'm making you both Protectors of the land. As for me, I'm going to live quietly, spend my last years in prayer and devotion, rejecting sin and praising God.
give me your hands join them, join your hearts no conflict running things youre both protectors now im stepping back to pray and praise god
What answers Clarence to his sovereign’s will?
What is Clarence's response to his king's desire?
What does Clarence have to say about the king's plan?
whats clarence say to this?
The brief appearance of young Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, in this scene is one of Shakespeare's most carefully calibrated dramatic gestures. Historically, Richmond was about thirteen or fourteen years old in 1470 when the Lancastrian restoration briefly happened. Shakespeare gives him no lines — just a presence, and Henry's hand on his head. For audiences in the 1590s watching this scene, the identity of 'England's hope' was no mystery: this is the grandfather of the queen (or her father's father's rival, depending on your politics). The prophecy 'must help you more than you are hurt by me' is Shakespeare delivering Tudor legitimacy in Henry VI's voice. It's propaganda, beautifully staged — but it's also genuinely moving because Henry is so clearly unsuited to power and so clearly right about this boy.
That he consents, if Warwick yield consent,
For on thy fortune I repose myself.
That he agrees, if Warwick agrees, Because I trust myself to your fortune.
He agrees, as long as Warwick agrees, because I'm putting my trust in your good luck.
im in if youre in, warwick im betting on your luck
Why, then, though loath, yet I must be content.
We’ll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry’s body, and supply his place;
I mean, in bearing weight of government,
While he enjoys the honour and his ease.
And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful
Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor
And all his lands and goods be confiscate.
Well, then, though reluctant, I must accept. We'll work together, like a double shadow To Henry's body, and fill his role; I mean, in carrying the weight of government, While he enjoys the honor and his leisure. And, Clarence, now it is more than necessary Immediately that Edward be declared a traitor And all his lands and property be seized.
All right then, even though I'd rather not, I have to go along with this. We'll work together like a double shadow next to Henry, doing his job for him—dealing with the hard work of government while he gets to keep the prestige and relax. And Clarence, we need to make Edward a declared traitor right now and take all his lands and property.
ok im reluctant but ill do it well be like a shadow doing henrys work he gets the honor we handle the power edward needs to be a traitor and lose everything
What else? And that succession be determined.
Anything else? And that the succession should be settled.
What else? And we should figure out who's next in line for the throne.
what else? and settle who comes next
Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part.
Yes, in that matter Clarence will not lack his share.
Yes, Clarence won't be left out when it comes to deciding that.
yeah youll have a say in that
But with the first of all your chief affairs
Let me entreat—for I command no more—
That Margaret your Queen and my son Edward
Be sent for to return from France with speed;
For till I see them here, by doubtful fear
My joy of liberty is half eclipsed.
But as your first and main concern, Let me ask—for I no longer command— That Margaret, your Queen, and my son Edward Be sent for to return from France quickly; For until I see them here, by uncertain fear My joy at freedom is half darkened.
But before anything else, I'm asking you—note that I'm asking, not commanding anymore—to send for Margaret, your Queen, and my son Edward to come back from France as fast as they can. Until I see them here, I'm worried enough that half my joy about being free has disappeared.
get margaret and my son edward back from france fast till i see them here im half terrified and half happy
It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed.
It will be done, my sovereign, as quickly as possible.
It'll be done right away, your Majesty.
will do, asap
My Lord of Somerset, what youth is that
Of whom you seem to have so tender care?
My Lord Somerset, who is that young person That you seem to care for so tenderly?
Lord Somerset, who is that young man you're taking such good care of?
lord somerset whos that kid youre looking after?
My liege, it is young Henry, Earl of Richmond.
My lord, that is young Henry, the Earl of Richmond.
Your Majesty, the young man here is Henry, Earl of Richmond.
thats young henry, earl of richmond
Come hither, England’s hope. If secret powers
Come here, England's hope. If secret powers
Come over here, you who are England's hope. If secret powers
ey you're england's hope come over if fate decides...
Henry's voluntary resignation of government to Warwick and Clarence is his most politically honest act in all three parts of Henry VI. He has been king since childhood (he was crowned at nine months old, historically), and he has never been equipped for the role. What's remarkable about this speech is that Henry doesn't resign in bitterness or defeat — he resigns with apparent relief. 'I here resign my government to thee' is delivered as a gift. He genuinely thinks Warwick will do better, and he's probably right.
Shakespeare uses this moment to pose the play's deepest question: what makes a legitimate king? Henry has the genealogy, the title, the anointing, the crown — and not a single other qualification. Warwick has the ability, the network, the military skill. Edward has the charisma and the ruthlessness. None of them has everything. The Wars of the Roses, Shakespeare suggests, are not just a dynastic quarrel — they're a constitutional crisis about what kingship actually requires.
Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts,
This pretty lad will prove our country’s bliss.
His looks are full of peaceful majesty,
His head by nature framed to wear a crown,
His hand to wield a sceptre, and himself
Likely in time to bless a regal throne.
Make much of him, my lords, for this is he
Must help you more than you are hurt by me.
If only my sense of what the future brings speaks truly, this handsome boy will become our nation's joy. His appearance radiates calm authority, his head seems naturally designed to wear a crown, his hand fitted to hold a scepter, and he himself seems destined to bring blessing to the throne. Treat him well, my lords, for he is the one who will aid you far more than I have harmed you.
If I'm reading the future right, this fine boy will be the best thing that ever happens to our country. He looks like he was born to rule—his whole bearing says royalty, his head's made for a crown, his hand for a scepter. He's going to help you way more than I ever hurt you. Take good care of him.
this boy will make our country great he looks like he was born to rule treat him well he'll help you way more than i hurt you
What news, my friend?
What is the news, my friend?
What's the news?
whats the news?
That Edward is escaped from your brother
And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy.
That Edward has escaped from your brother And fled, as is now known, to Burgundy.
Edward escaped from your brother and fled to Burgundy.
edward escaped and ran to burgundy
Unsavoury news! But how made he escape?
Unpleasant news! But how did he escape?
That's bad news! But how did he get away?
that sucks. how'd he escape?
He was conveyed by Richard, Duke of Gloucester
And the Lord Hastings, who attended him
In secret ambush on the forest side
And from the Bishop’s huntsmen rescued him,
For hunting was his daily exercise.
He was conveyed by Richard, Duke of Gloucester And Lord Hastings, who were waiting for him In secret hiding on the forest's edge And rescued him from the Bishop's hunters, Because hunting was his daily activity.
Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Lord Hastings rescued him—they were waiting in a secret spot in the forest and grabbed him away from the Bishop's hunters while he was out hunting, since that's what he does every day.
richard and hastings rescued him from the bishops hunters in the forest he was out hunting like he does every day
My brother was too careless of his charge.
But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide
A salve for any sore that may betide.
My brother was too careless with his responsibility. But let us go, my sovereign, to find A remedy for any harm that may happen.
My brother wasn't careful enough with Edward. But let's get out of here, your Majesty, and figure out how to handle whatever comes next.
my brother wasnt careful enough but lets go fix this before something worse happens
My lord, I like not of this flight of Edward’s,
For doubtless Burgundy will yield him help,
And we shall have more wars before ’t be long.
As Henry’s late presaging prophecy
Did glad my heart with hope of this young Richmond,
So doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts
What may befall him, to his harm and ours.
Therefore, Lord Oxford, to prevent the worst,
Forthwith we’ll send him hence to Brittany
Till storms be past of civil enmity.
My lord, I don't like this escape of Edward's, Because Burgundy will certainly help him, And we'll have more wars soon. Just as Henry's recent prophecy Made my heart happy with hope for young Richmond, So my heart now fears, in these wars, What might happen to him, to his harm and ours. Therefore, Lord Oxford, to prevent the worst, We'll immediately send him to Brittany Until the storms of civil war pass.
I don't like Edward getting away, because Burgundy will definitely help him and we'll be fighting more wars soon. Henry's recent prophecy about young Richmond made me hopeful, but now I'm worried about what could happen to him in all this fighting—it could hurt him and hurt us. So Lord Oxford, to keep things from getting worse, let's send him to Brittany right now until this civil war blows over.
edward's escape is bad news burgundy will help him, more wars coming i was hopeful about richmond but now im scared lets send him to brittany till this war ends
Ay, for if Edward repossess the crown,
’Tis like that Richmond with the rest shall down.
Yes, because if Edward gets the crown back, It's likely that Richmond with the rest will fall.
Yeah, if Edward takes the crown back, Richmond will probably go down with the rest of us.
if edward gets the crown back richmond goes down too
It shall be so. He shall to Brittany.
Come therefore, let’s about it speedily.
It will be so. He shall go to Brittany. Come, therefore, let's do it quickly.
That's what we'll do. He's going to Brittany. Come on, let's get moving.
hes going to brittany lets go now
The Reckoning
Henry's restoration is the play's most melancholy triumph. He gets his crown back and immediately gives away all the power that goes with it — recognizing, with characteristic honesty, that Warwick and Clarence are more capable of governing than he is. Then he spots a young boy in the corner and lays his hand on his head with a prophecy. The news that Edward has escaped ends the scene before Henry can enjoy his freedom for even a moment.
If this happened today…
A founder is reinstalled as CEO after a proxy fight. He immediately calls a board meeting and announces he's making his two activist investors co-COOs because, frankly, they're better at the operational stuff. Then, in the hallway, he notices an intern from the Richmond family — barely eighteen — and says something to a colleague that gets written up later: 'That kid is going to run this whole industry someday.' The meeting ends early because someone walks in with news that the previous CEO just landed at Heathrow.