Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Kingship and Leadership

  Both Edward and John assert their royal authority and rally their troops, highlighting the burdens and responsibilities of kingship.

• Honor and Chivalry

  The ceremonial arming of Prince Edward and the exchange of taunts emphasize the chivalric code and the importance of honor in battle.

• Legitimacy and Hereditary Right

  Edward's claim to the French throne through his mother's lineage is debated, contrasting with John's assertion of natural kingship.

• War and Nationalism

  The speeches of both kings invoke national pride and the defense of homeland, fueling the conflict.

Characters to notice

• King Edward III

  Arms his son and leads the English forces, asserting his claim to the French crown.

• King John of France

  Delivers a defiant speech, condemning Edward as a pirate and vowing to defend his crown.

• Prince Edward

  Receives his knighthood ceremony and vows to fight valiantly for England.

• Lord Audley

  Participates in the arming ceremony, presenting the lance to Prince Edward.

• Robert of Artois

  Presents the shield to Prince Edward and brings news of the prince's approach.

• Earl of Derby

  Helps arm Prince Edward with the helmet and is assigned to the rearward march.

• Gobin de Grey

  Guides the English across the River Somme and is rewarded with freedom and gold.

• Charles Villiers

  Defends King John as the true-born sovereign against Audley's challenge.

Key passages

• “But if I have been otherwise employ'd, Imagine, Valois, whether I intend To skirmish, not for pillage, but for the crown Which thou dost wear; and that I vow to have, Or one of us shall fall into his grave.”

  Edward declares that his goal is not mere plunder but the French crown itself, vowing to win it or die trying.

  Edward clarifies his ultimate ambition in the war.

• “Edward Plantagenet, in the name of God, As with this armour I impale thy breast, So be thy noble unrelenting heart Wall'd in with flint of matchless fortitude That never base affections enter there; Fight and be valiant, conquer where thou com'st!”

  King Edward knights his son, blessing him with unyielding courage and a heart free from cowardice.

  The ceremonial arming of Prince Edward.

• “He that you fight for is your natural king; He against whom you fight, a foreigner: He that you fight for, rules in clemency And reins you with a mild and gentle bit; He against whom you fight, if he prevail, Will straight enthrone himself in tyranny, Make slaves of you, and with a heavy hand Curtail and curb your sweetest liberty.”

  King John appeals to his troops' loyalty, portraying Edward as a foreign tyrant who would enslave France.

  John's rallying speech to his French soldiers.

• “These hallow'd gifts of yours when I profane, Or use them not to glory of my God, To patronage the fatherless and poor, Or for the benefit of England's peace, Be numb my joints! wax feeble both mine arms! Wither my heart! that, like a sapless tree, I may remain the map of infamy.”

  Prince Edward vows to use his new arms honorably, for God, the poor, and England's peace, or suffer divine punishment.

  The prince's solemn oath after being knighted.