# Scene VII explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## What happens

King Edward, having returned from Burgundy with reinforcements, arrives before the gates of York. The mayor initially refuses entry, claiming allegiance to Henry VI, but Edward persuades him by asserting only his claim to the Dukedom. Once inside, Sir John Montgomery arrives with soldiers and insists Edward proclaim himself king or he will leave. Edward hesitates but is persuaded by Gloucester and Hastings to openly claim the crown. Edward is proclaimed King Edward IV, and he vows to march against Warwick and Clarence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Edward's strategic claim to only the dukedom to gain entry, followed by his full assertion of kingship, illustrates the calculated ambition driving the Yorkist cause.

### Kingship and Leadership

Edward's ability to inspire loyalty and command his followers, as well as his tactical decision-making, highlights the qualities of effective leadership in a time of civil war.

## Character check-ins

### King Edward IV

Returns from Burgundy with reinforcements, cunningly gains entry to York by claiming only his dukedom, then is persuaded to openly proclaim himself king.

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Advises caution about the closed gates, then urges Edward to seize the crown, remarking that 'fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns.'

### Lord Hastings

Assists in persuading the mayor to open the gates and later argues for immediate proclamation of Edward as king.

### Sir John Montgomery

Arrives with soldiers, insists Edward must proclaim himself king or he will leave, and throws down his gauntlet as a challenge to any who oppose Edward's right.

## Key lines

> But when the fox hath once got in his nose, He’ll soon find means to make the body follow.

Once Edward gains a small foothold, he will quickly expand his control.

_Gloucester's aside reveals the deceptive strategy behind Edward's modest claim to only the dukedom._

> If you’ll not here proclaim yourself our king, I’ll leave you to your fortune and be gone To keep them back that come to succour you: Why shall we fight, if you pretend no title?

Montgomery refuses to fight unless Edward openly declares himself king, insisting that the soldiers need a clear royal cause.

_Montgomery's ultimatum forces Edward to abandon pretense and openly claim the crown._

## Links

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