Henry VI, Part III · Chapter
Scene VI explained
King Henry VI is restored to the throne and, in a gesture of humility and piety, resigns the active governance of England to Warwick and Clarence as joint protectors.
What happens
King Henry VI is restored to the throne and, in a gesture of humility and piety, resigns the active governance of England to Warwick and Clarence as joint protectors. He orders that Queen Margaret and Prince Edward be summoned from France. Henry then prophesies greatness for the young Earl of Richmond. A post arrives with news that Edward IV has escaped to Burgundy with the help of Gloucester and Hastings, prompting Somerset and Oxford to plan sending Richmond to Brittany for safety.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Leadership
Henry VI voluntarily resigns active governance to Warwick and Clarence, highlighting his preference for piety over political rule and the delegation of royal authority.
Fate and Providence
Henry's prophetic blessing of young Richmond as 'England's hope' and his belief in divine guidance underscore the theme of providential destiny.
Betrayal and Allegiance
The shifting loyalties are evident as Warwick and Clarence, formerly Edward's allies, now serve Henry and plan to confiscate Edward's lands.
Characters to notice
- King Henry VI
Restored to the throne, he resigns active rule to Warwick and Clarence, orders Margaret and Prince Edward sent for, and prophesies greatness for young Richmond.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Appointed joint protector with Clarence; he insists on pronouncing Edward a traitor and confiscating his lands, and receives the news of Edward's escape to Burgundy.
- George, Duke of Clarence
Consents to serve as joint protector alongside Warwick and agrees to the confiscation of Edward's lands.
- Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
Expresses concern over Edward's escape and arranges to send young Richmond to Brittany for safety.
- John de Vere, Earl of Oxford
Agrees with Somerset's plan to send Richmond to Brittany to protect him from potential reprisals if Edward regains the crown.
- King Edward IV
Reported to have escaped from Warwick's brother and fled to Burgundy, aided by Gloucester and Hastings.
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Helps Edward escape to Burgundy by ambushing the bishop's huntsmen.
- Lord Hastings
Assists in Edward's escape to Burgundy alongside Gloucester.
Key passages
“Master lieutenant, now that God and friends Have shaken Edward from the regal seat, And turn’d my captive state to liberty, My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys”
Lieutenant, now that God and our allies have removed Edward from the throne and freed me from captivity, my fear has turned to hope and my sorrows to joy.
Henry expresses his relief and gratitude upon being restored to the throne.
“I here resign my government to thee, For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.”
I now hand over the rule of the kingdom to you, because you are lucky in everything you do.
Henry voluntarily gives up active rule to Warwick, citing Warwick's good fortune.
“This pretty lad will prove our country’s bliss. His looks are full of peaceful majesty, His head by nature framed to wear a crown”
This handsome young boy will become our nation's blessing. His appearance radiates a peaceful royalty, and he seems naturally destined to be king.
Henry prophesies greatness for the young Earl of Richmond, the future Henry VII.
“That Edward is escaped from your brother, And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy.”
Edward has escaped from your brother's custody and, according to reports, has fled to Burgundy.
A post brings news of Edward IV's escape, which threatens the newly restored Lancastrian regime.
