Henry VI, Part II · Chapter
Scene VII explained
Jack Cade and his followers capture Lord Say, accusing him of selling French towns, promoting literacy, and corrupting the realm.
What happens
Jack Cade and his followers capture Lord Say, accusing him of selling French towns, promoting literacy, and corrupting the realm. Despite Lord Say's eloquent defense, Cade orders his execution and that of his son-in-law, planning to parade their heads through London.
Themes in this chapter
Class Conflict and Rebellion
Cade's rebellion embodies the fury of the common people against the aristocracy and educated officials, demanding a redistribution of power and wealth.
Justice and Injustice
Lord Say's plea for justice is overridden by Cade's arbitrary rule, highlighting the tension between legal order and mob violence.
Betrayal and Duplicity
Cade accuses Lord Say of betraying England by selling French towns and corrupting the youth, though Say's defense suggests a more complex reality.
Characters to notice
- Jack Cade
Leads the rebellion, orders the destruction of legal records and the execution of Lord Say, declaring himself the voice of the new order.
- Dick the Butcher
A follower of Cade who requests that the laws of England come from Cade's mouth and later asks about taking commodities upon their bills.
- Lord Say
Captured by the rebels, he defends his record as a just administrator and scholar, but is condemned by Cade for his learning and governance.
- George Bevis
Brings Lord Say before Cade and mocks him for cowardice.
- John Holland
A rebel who comments sarcastically on Cade's fitness to make law.
- Smith the Weaver
A rebel who remarks on Cade's bad breath from eating toasted cheese.
Key passages
“my mouth shall be the parliament of England.”
I will be the sole lawmaker and authority in the land.
Cade declares himself the absolute legislative power, replacing parliament with his own will.
“Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar school: and whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used, and, contrary to the king, his crown and dignity, thou hast built a paper-mill.”
You have betrayed the kingdom by teaching children to read, introducing printing, and building a paper mill—all innovations that undermine traditional ways.
Cade condemns Lord Say for promoting literacy and learning, which Cade sees as threats to his anti-intellectual rebellion.
“I feel remorse in myself with his words; but I’ll bridle it: he shall die, an it be but for pleading so well for his life.”
His speech makes me feel pity, but I will suppress it; he must die, even if only because he argued so effectively for his own survival.
Cade acknowledges Lord Say's eloquence but resolves to kill him anyway, showing his ruthless determination.