# Scene II: The Siege of Calais explained — Edward III > Chapter companion for Edward III by William Shakespeare. ## What happens King Edward and his forces besiege Calais, refusing the town's surrender after they rejected his earlier offer of clemency. He orders the expulsion of the sick and poor from the city to conserve supplies, but shows mercy by providing them with food and money. Lord Percy arrives with news of the capture of King David of Scotland by John Copland, who insists on presenting his prisoner only to Edward. The Queen is en route to Calais. The French captain reports that the burgesses of Calais wish to surrender on terms, but Edward demands that six of the wealthiest merchants come before him barefoot in shirts with halters around their necks, submitting to his judgment. ## Themes in this chapter ### Clemency and Justice Edward shows clemency to the expelled French poor, providing them with food and money, but later refuses clemency to Calais for its initial defiance, demanding harsh surrender terms. ### Kingship and Leadership Edward demonstrates decisive leadership in the siege, balancing mercy and severity, and asserts his authority over the captured Scottish king and the rebellious town. ### War and Nationalism The siege of Calais and the capture of the Scottish king highlight the ongoing conflicts between England, France, and Scotland, driven by national ambitions. ## Character check-ins ### King Edward III Commands the siege of Calais, shows mercy to expelled French poor, receives news of David's capture, and issues harsh terms for the town's surrender. ### Earl of Derby Assists Edward in the siege and is ordered to relieve the expelled French poor with victuals and money. ### Lord Percy Arrives from England with news of the capture of King David of Scotland and the Queen's imminent arrival. ### John Copland Mentioned as the squire who captured King David of Scotland; refuses to surrender his prize to anyone but King Edward. ### Queen Philip Reported to be at sea, traveling to Calais to visit King Edward; she is displeased with Copland's refusal to yield the prisoner. ### King David of Scotland Captured in battle by John Copland during Edward's absence. ### Captain of Calais Delivers the burgesses' offer to surrender the town and receives Edward's harsh terms. ### First Frenchman One of the poor, sick inhabitants expelled from Calais; speaks to Edward about their plight. ## Key lines > Famine shall combat where our swords are stopp’d. We will use starvation as our weapon where our swords cannot reach. _Edward declares his strategy to starve Calais into submission._ > The lion scorns to touch the yielding prey, And Edward’s sword must flesh itself in such As wilful stubbornness hath made perverse. A lion does not attack those who submit, but Edward's sword must strike those whose stubborn defiance has made them rebellious. _Edward contrasts his mercy toward the poor French with his harshness toward Calais's resistance._ > I will accept of nought but fire and sword, Except, within these two days, six of them, that are the wealthiest merchants in the town, Come naked, all but for their linen shirts, With each a halter hang’d about his neck, And prostrate yield themselves, upon their knees, To be afflicted, hang’d, or what I please. I will accept nothing less than total destruction unless six of the richest merchants come before me barefoot in their shirts with nooses around their necks, kneeling to submit to whatever punishment I choose. _Edward imposes humiliating terms on Calais as punishment for its earlier defiance._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters