# Scene VI explained — Henry VI, Part III

> Chapter companion for Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Clifford dies from his wounds, lamenting the fall of Lancaster. Edward and his allies discover his body and taunt him, then plan to march to London for Edward's coronation and for Warwick to seek a marriage alliance with Lady Bona of France.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Allegiance

Clifford's loyalty to Henry VI is contrasted with the Yorkists' consolidation of power; the taunting of Clifford's corpse underscores the personal nature of allegiance and revenge.

### Kingship and Leadership

Clifford criticizes Henry VI's leniency as a failure of kingship, while Edward IV asserts his authority by planning his coronation and arranging a royal marriage.

### Power and Ambition

Edward's promise to create Richard and George dukes, and Warwick's plan to secure a French alliance, highlight the ambition driving the Yorkist rise.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Clifford

Dies from wounds received in battle, lamenting the fall of Lancaster and the leniency of King Henry.

### King Edward IV

Leads the Yorkist forces after the battle, orders mercy before discovering Clifford's body, then joins in taunting the dead Clifford and plans his coronation.

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Identifies Clifford's groan, insists on vengeance for the murders of Rutland and York, and expresses a desire to torment Clifford even in death.

### Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick

Proposes replacing Clifford's head with York's on the gates, and plans to cross to France to arrange Edward's marriage to Lady Bona.

### George, Duke of Clarence

Joins in taunting Clifford and is promised the Dukedom of Clarence by Edward.

### John Neville, Marquess of Montague

Present among the Yorkist lords after the battle.

## Key lines

> Here burns my candle out; ay, here it dies, Which, whiles it lasted, gave King Henry light.

My life is ending, and while I lived, I supported King Henry.

_Clifford uses a candle metaphor to express his role as a loyal supporter of Henry VI._

> Measure for measure must be answered.

Revenge must be exacted in kind.

_Warwick demands that Clifford's head replace York's on the gates, emphasizing retributive justice._

> So shalt thou sinew both these lands together; And, having France thy friend, thou shalt not dread The scatter’d foe that hopes to rise again.

This marriage will unite England and France, making you secure against any remaining enemies.

_Warwick explains the strategic benefit of Edward marrying Lady Bona._

## Links

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