# Scene III explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## What happens

King Edward IV, triumphant after the Battle of Barnet, learns that Queen Margaret has raised a French army and is marching toward Tewksbury. He resolves to meet her forces immediately, confident that his army will grow as they march.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Edward's determination to crush the remaining Lancastrian forces reflects his relentless pursuit of power and consolidation of the throne.

### Betrayal and Allegiance

The mention of Somerset and Oxford fleeing to Queen Margaret underscores the shifting allegiances that characterize the civil war.

## Character check-ins

### King Edward IV

Triumphant after Barnet, he spies a 'black, suspicious, threatening cloud' in Margaret's approaching army and resolves to march to Tewksbury.

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Warns that Queen Margaret's army is thirty thousand strong and that Somerset and Oxford have joined her, urging caution.

### George, Duke of Clarence

Dismisses the threat of Margaret's army as a 'little gale' that will soon disperse.

## Key lines

> Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course, And we are graced with wreaths of victory. But, in the midst of this bright-shining day, I spy a black, suspicious, threatening cloud, That will encounter with our glorious sun, Ere he attain his easeful western bed: I mean, my lords, those powers that the queen Hath raised in Gallia have arrived our coast And, as we hear, march on to fight with us.

So far our luck has been good and we have been crowned with victory. But even in this bright moment, I see a dark, threatening cloud that will meet our glorious sun before it sets: I am referring to the army that Queen Margaret has raised in France, which has landed on our coast and is marching to fight us.

_Edward uses a solar metaphor to contrast his recent victories with the new threat from Margaret's French-backed forces._

> The queen is valued thirty thousand strong, And Somerset, with Oxford, fled to her: If she have time to breathe, be well assured Her faction will be full as strong as ours.

Queen Margaret is reported to have thirty thousand troops, and Somerset and Oxford have joined her. If she is given any time to rest, her side will become as strong as ours.

_Gloucester warns that the Lancastrian forces are formidable and growing, urging immediate action._

## Links

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