Henry VI, Part II · Chapter
Scene VI explained
Jack Cade declares himself Lord Mortimer of London, orders the pissing-conduit to run with claret wine, and commands that none call him other than Lord Mortimer under penalty of treason.
What happens
Jack Cade declares himself Lord Mortimer of London, orders the pissing-conduit to run with claret wine, and commands that none call him other than Lord Mortimer under penalty of treason. A soldier who addresses him as 'Jack Cade' is killed. Informed of an army gathered in Smithfield, Cade orders London Bridge set on fire and the Tower burned down before leading his followers to battle.
Themes in this chapter
Class Conflict and Rebellion
Cade's rebellion asserts popular power over the city, with violent demands and symbolic acts of defiance.
Kingship and Leadership
Cade assumes royal prerogatives—renaming himself, issuing decrees, and commanding executions—mocking legitimate authority.
Characters to notice
- Jack Cade
Proclaims himself Lord Mortimer, sits on London-stone, and orders executions and arson.
- Dick the Butcher
Reports an army gathered in Smithfield and addresses Cade as 'my Lord'.
- Smith the Weaver
Comments on the soldier's death, warning others not to call Cade 'Jack Cade'.
Key passages
“Now is Mortimer lord of this city. And here, sitting upon London-stone, I charge and command that, of the city’s cost, the pissing-conduit run nothing but claret wine this first year of our reign.”
Cade declares himself ruler of London and orders that a public urinal flow with wine at the city's expense.
Cade's absurd decree mocks royal excess and symbolizes the inversion of social order.
“And now henceforward it shall be treason for any that calls me other than Lord Mortimer.”
Cade makes it a capital offense to address him by any name other than 'Lord Mortimer'.
Cade adopts the Mortimer name to claim legitimacy, punishing dissent with death.