# Scene VI explained — Edward III

> Chapter companion for Edward III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Amidst the chaos of battle, Prince Edward and Artois rally despite a shortage of arrows, using stones and the crows' interference as omens of victory. King John of France despairs as his army turns on itself, while his sons Charles and Philip urge him to flee or fight on. Lord Audley, mortally wounded, asks to be taken to Prince Edward to salute him one last time.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Nationalism

The battle scene highlights the chaos and brutality of war, with the French army turning on itself and the English using desperate measures.

### Honor and Chivalry

Lord Audley's request to salute Prince Edward despite his mortal wound exemplifies chivalric honor and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Edward

Shows courage and optimism despite being choked with dust and smoke; uses stones as weapons and prophesies victory.

### Robert of Artois

Concerned for the Prince's safety, encourages him to continue fighting, laments the lack of arrows.

### King John of France

Describes his army as confounded and fearful; recalls a prophecy and feels his own resolve weakening.

### Charles Villiers

Urges his father to flee, reports that the French are killing each other and that morale is shattered.

### Philip Le Beau

Laments the shame of the day, compares the English to David defeating Goliath with stones.

### Lord Audley

Wounded in battle, accepts his fate stoically and asks to be taken to Prince Edward to salute him.

## Key lines

> Our multitudes are in themselves confounded, Dismayed, and distraught; swift-starting fear Hath buzz’d a cold dismay through all our army

Our large army is confused and terrified; sudden fear has spread a chilling panic throughout our troops.

_King John describes the demoralization of the French forces._

> An arm hath beat an army; one poor David Hath with a stone foil’d twenty stout Goliahs

A single arm has defeated an entire army; one poor David has overcome twenty strong Goliaths with a stone.

_Philip compares the English victory to the biblical story of David and Goliath._

> I’ll smile and tell him that this open scar Doth end the harvest of his Audley’s war

I will smile and tell him that this open wound marks the end of his Audley's fighting.

_Lord Audley accepts his fatal wound and wishes to bid farewell to Prince Edward._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vi
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