Henry VI, Part III · Chapter
Scene III explained
On the battlefield between Towton and Saxton, the Yorkist leaders regroup after a devastating clash.
What happens
On the battlefield between Towton and Saxton, the Yorkist leaders regroup after a devastating clash. Warwick rests from exhaustion, Edward despairs as their ranks break, George counsels despair, and Richard reports the death of Warwick's brother at Clifford's hands. Warwick vows revenge, Edward and Richard join in solemn oaths, and George urges them to rally their troops with promises of reward.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Allegiance
Warwick's brother is killed by Clifford, deepening the cycle of vengeance and testing the loyalty of the Yorkist lords.
Kingship and Leadership
Edward's despair and subsequent vow highlight the burdens of leadership in crisis, as he seeks divine favor and unity.
Fate and Providence
Edward's reference to his 'sun is clouded' and the group's prayers for heavenly intervention underscore the role of fate in battle.
Characters to notice
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Exhausted from battle, Warwick learns of his brother's death and vows revenge, refusing to flee.
- King Edward IV
Despairing as the battle turns against him, Edward joins Warwick in a vow of resolve and prays for heavenly mercy.
- George, Duke of Clarence
Reports loss and despair, but later urges the group to rally their troops with promises of victory.
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Brings news of Warwick's brother's death, expresses rare emotion, and embraces Warwick.
Key passages
“Forspent with toil, as runners with a race, I lay me down a little while to breathe;”
Exhausted from effort, like a runner after a race, I lie down briefly to catch my breath.
Warwick expresses physical exhaustion from the battle.
“Thy brother's blood the thirsty earth hath drunk, Broach'd with the steely point of Clifford's lance;”
The ground has soaked up your brother's blood, spilled by Clifford's lance.
Richard reports the death of Warwick's brother at Clifford's hands.
“I'll kill my horse, because I will not fly.”
I will kill my own horse to prevent myself from fleeing.
Warwick vows to stand and fight rather than retreat.
“Thou setter up and plucker down of kings,”
You who raise kings to power and bring them down.
Edward addresses God, acknowledging divine control over royal fortunes.