# Scene III explained — Richard II

> Chapter companion for Richard II by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Bolingbroke, now king, inquires about his prodigal son Prince Hal. Aumerle enters in distress, seeking a private audience to confess a conspiracy. York bursts in, revealing Aumerle's treasonous plot. The Duchess of York pleads for her son's life, and Bolingbroke pardons Aumerle but vows to hunt down the other conspirators.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Aumerle's conspiracy against Bolingbroke and York's loyalty in exposing his son's treason highlight the conflict between familial and political allegiance.

### Mercy and Justice

Bolingbroke's pardon of Aumerle after the Duchess's plea contrasts with York's demand for strict justice, exploring the balance between clemency and punishment.

## Character check-ins

### Henry Bolingbroke

Now king, he inquires about his son Prince Hal, confronts Aumerle's treason, and ultimately pardons Aumerle after the Duchess's plea.

### Duke of Aumerle

Confesses to conspiracy against Bolingbroke, begs for pardon, and is forgiven after his mother's intercession.

### Duke of York

Reveals Aumerle's treason, demands punishment, and argues against mercy.

### Duchess of York

Pleads passionately for her son Aumerle's pardon, kneeling and arguing with York.

### Henry Percy

Reports to Bolingbroke about Prince Hal's whereabouts and behavior.

## Key lines

> Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son? ’Tis full three months since I did see him last: If any plague hang over us, ’tis he.

Bolingbroke asks if anyone knows where his wasteful son is, as he hasn't seen him in three months and fears he is a curse upon them.

_Bolingbroke expresses concern and frustration about Prince Hal's dissolute behavior._

> For ever may my knees grow to the earth, My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth, Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak.

Aumerle swears he will remain kneeling and silent unless he receives a pardon before he speaks or stands.

_Aumerle begs for a pardon before confessing his treason._

> O heinous, strong and bold conspiracy! O loyal father of a treacherous son!

Bolingbroke exclaims at the shocking conspiracy and praises York's loyalty despite his son's betrayal.

_Bolingbroke reacts to the revelation of Aumerle's plot._

> Speak 'pardon' as ’tis current in our land; The chopping French we do not understand.

The Duchess insists that Bolingbroke say 'pardon' in English, not French, as she rejects York's sarcastic suggestion.

_The Duchess pleads for a clear pardon in the common tongue._

> I pardon him, as God shall pardon me.

Bolingbroke grants Aumerle a pardon, invoking divine mercy as his model.

_Bolingbroke formally forgives Aumerle._

## Links

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