# Scene III explained — Henry IV, Part II

> Chapter companion for Henry IV, Part II by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Northumberland is torn between his desire to join the Archbishop's rebellion and the pleas of his wife and daughter-in-law, Lady Percy, who reminds him of his past failure to support Hotspur. Ultimately, he decides to flee to Scotland and wait for a more opportune moment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Northumberland's honor is at stake, and Lady Percy argues that he has already lost it by failing Hotspur.

### Rebellion and Order

The debate over joining the Archbishop's rebellion highlights the tension between loyalty to the crown and personal ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Earl of Northumberland

Struggles with his honor and the decision to join the rebellion; ultimately resolves to go to Scotland.

### Lady Northumberland

Urges her husband to flee to Scotland rather than join the rebels.

### Lady Percy

Grieves for her husband Hotspur and reproaches Northumberland for his past betrayal.

## Key lines

> The time was, father, that you broke your word, When you were more endear'd to it than now; When your own Percy, when my heart's dear Harry, Threw many a northward look to see his father Bring up his powers; but he did long in vain.

You once broke your promise to your son Hotspur, who waited in vain for your reinforcements.

_Lady Percy reminds Northumberland of his failure to support Hotspur at Shrewsbury._

> I will resolve for Scotland: there am I, Till time and vantage crave my company.

I will go to Scotland and wait until the time is right to act.

_Northumberland decides to flee to Scotland rather than join the rebellion immediately._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters