# Scene VII explained — Edward III

> Chapter companion for Edward III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Prince Edward enters in triumph with King John of France and his son Charles as prisoners. He is joined by Artois and Philip, and then by the wounded Lord Audley, whom the prince honors and rewards. Audley bequeaths his gift to the two squires who saved him, and the prince doubles the reward. The scene ends with the march toward Calais.

## Themes in this chapter

### Clemency and Justice

Prince Edward shows clemency to the captured French king and his son, and justly rewards Lord Audley and his squires.

### Honor and Chivalry

The prince's generous treatment of prisoners and his honoring of Audley's sacrifice reflect chivalric ideals.

### Kingship and Leadership

Prince Edward demonstrates magnanimous leadership, distributing rewards and maintaining order after victory.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Edward

Triumphant leader, shows clemency to captives and generosity to Lord Audley.

### King John of France

Captured and brought before Prince Edward, attributes his defeat to fortune rather than force.

### Charles Villiers

Captured alongside his father, King John.

### Robert of Artois

Enters with Philip, having captured the 'late good-counsel-giver' to the prince.

### Lord Audley

Mortally wounded, he receives honors and gifts from Prince Edward, which he bequeaths to his rescuers.

## Key lines

> Thy fortune, not thy force, hath conquer'd us.

You have conquered us by luck, not by strength.

_King John of France acknowledges defeat but attributes it to fortune rather than English valor._

> An argument that Heaven aides the right.

This proves that Heaven supports the just cause.

_Prince Edward counters that their victory is divine endorsement of their rightful claim._

> Too bright a morning breeds a louring day.

A very bright morning often leads to a gloomy day.

_Proverb applied to Philip, suggesting his earlier good fortune has turned to misfortune._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/edward_iii_se/chapters