Edward III · Chapter
Scene III: Poitou. Fields near Poitiers. The French camp; tent of the Duke of Normandy. explained
Charles and Villiers debate the ethics of oath-keeping and honor.
What happens
Charles and Villiers debate the ethics of oath-keeping and honor. Villiers insists on honoring his word to Salisbury despite Charles's initial refusal. Charles relents, signing the passport. King John then enters, declaring Edward is trapped and the French outnumber the English. Charles reads a prophecy from Crécy, which King John dismisses as frivolous, confident in their numerical advantage.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
Villiers insists on keeping his oath to Salisbury, arguing that honor must accompany profit, and that breaking a sworn promise is lawless.
Kingship and Leadership
King John's confidence in numerical superiority and his dismissal of the prophecy illustrate his approach to leadership and decision-making in war.
War and Nationalism
The dialogue revolves around the ongoing war between England and France, with both sides maneuvering for advantage.
Characters to notice
- Charles Villiers
Charles is the Duke of Normandy, initially reluctant to grant a passport to Salisbury but persuaded by Villiers' honorable stance.
- King John of France
King John enters the camp, confident that Edward is entrapped and the French forces vastly outnumber the English.
- Prince Edward
Referenced as the Prince of Wales, said to be fallen into French hands.
- King Edward III
Mentioned as entrapped by King John, though the focus is on the French camp.
Key passages
“For profit must with honour be comix'd Or else our actions are but scandalous”
Profit must be mixed with honor, otherwise our deeds are shameful.
Villiers argues that ethical conduct is essential even in matters of ransom and negotiation.
“When feather'd foul shall make thine army tremble, And flint-stones rise, and break the battle 'ray, Then think on him that doth not now dissemble, For that shall be the hapless dreadful day”
When feathered fowl make your army tremble and flint stones rise to break the battle line, then remember the one who speaks truly now, for that will be the unfortunate and terrible day.
Charles reads a prophecy from an aged hermit at Crécy, predicting a strange omen before a disastrous battle.