Henry VI, Part 2 Summary
Description
Here you will find a Henry VI, Part 2 summary (William Shakespeare's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 8
- Act 4 Scene 9
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 8
- Act 4 Scene 9
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
Henry VI, Part 2 Summary Overview
The narrative starts with Henry introducing his new wife Margaret, brought from France by Suffolk, along with a peace treaty. The deal involves the French maintaining the territories of Anjou and Maine, upsetting Gloucester who foresees the impending loss of France. Power struggles emerge amongst the nobles, with Beaufort opposing Gloucester, and Salisbury and Warwick joining forces with York to counter Suffolk and Beaufort's influence. Meanwhile, Gloucester's wife, the Duchess, harbors ambitions of power and engages in witchcraft to predict Henry's future reign. Gloucester relinquishes his staff and office after the Duchess is banished for dabbling in the occult. Meanwhile, a dispute over York's right to the throne leads to a duel, where Peter defeats and kills his master Horner. Gloucester, who is later arrested for treason, proclaims his innocence but is unable to defend himself against the lords' accusations. Simultaneously, York is given an army to quell rebellions in Ireland. York, convinced of his legitimate claim to the throne, hires Jack Cade to stir unrest in England and test the public's reaction to a potential York monarchy. In a dramatic twist, Gloucester is murdered, sparking outrage amongst commoners who suspect foul play and demand Suffolk's banishment. The dying Beaufort, Suffolk's grim fate and the ensuing chaos under Cade's rebellion further add to the turmoil. York, returning from Ireland, challenges Henry's reign, leading to a bloody battle in which Richard, York's son, kills Somerset and Clifford. Despite York's triumphant declaration of victory, the battle is not over as Margaret convinces Henry to retreat to London, where he has support. The story concludes with York and his allies preparing to lay siege to London.
act 1 scene 1
King Henry makes his entrance at court with several dukes and Cardinal Beaufort. In comes Duke of York, Suffolk, two earls, and Margaret, who Suffolk introduces to the king as his new bride, won during French wars. Henry is quite pleased and asks the others to welcome her. Next, Suffolk gives Henry a peace treaty with France. When Gloucester reads the terms aloud, he's shocked to learn that Henry agreed to give back Anjou and Maine to the French as part of Margaret's dowry. Gloucester's dismay is not shared by Henry, who promotes Suffolk to duke and leaves with Margaret to plan the coronation. Once alone, Gloucester expresses disappointment at Henry's decision, feeling it undoes the victories won by his father and the lords in the French wars. While Beaufort argues England still controls much of France, both Salisbury and Warwick worry the loss of Anjou and Maine will lead to losing Normandy. York also criticizes the marriage – English kings usually get a dowry, but instead, Henry gave away lands and gained nothing. Gloucester and Beaufort squabble, with Gloucester accusing Beaufort of disliking him personally and predicts France's loss. When he leaves, Beaufort warns the others about Gloucester's ambition, suggesting he aims for the throne. Buckingham agrees that Henry is now mature enough to rule without a protector. Beaufort, Buckingham, and Somerset plan to oust Gloucester but have disagreements on who would succeed him. Salisbury expresses concern for the ambitious lords and proposes to York and Warwick that they should form an alliance to protect Gloucester against Suffolk, Beaufort, Somerset, and Buckingham's ambition. They agree to the plan. At the end, York rants about his rightful claim to the throne and his anger about Henry giving away lands. He plans to bide his time, ally with Salisbury and Warwick, and wait for the right moment to seize power. He believes the house of York will eventually overthrow the Lancasters.
act 1 scene 2
Gloucester and his spouse, Eleanor, converse about his inner turmoil. She wonders if he covets Henry's crown. Gloucester dismisses her curiosity, revealing his melancholy is due to disturbing dreams. His dream involved his staff, symbolizing his position, snapped in half with Somerset and Suffolk's heads skewered on each part. Eleanor also shares her dream of being crowned queen in Westminster Abbey, with Henry and Margaret beneath her. Gloucester, shocked, reproaches her, asserting she's only second to Margaret in status and cautions her against any devious behavior that could harm him. A courier arrives, requesting Gloucester's presence with the king at Saint Albans for a hunting party. Upon his departure, Eleanor muses aloud that she would have an easier time removing obstacles to the throne if she were male. However, as a woman, she must strategize. She summons Sir John Hume and inquires if he has consulted the witch and seer about her future. Hume confirms they've pledged to summon a spirit to answer her queries. Eleanor hands him money for the arrangement before exiting. Left alone, Hume contemplates how Eleanor paid him to engage a witch, while Beaufort and Suffolk bribed him to manipulate Eleanor into exploring witchcraft. He's exploiting both parties, intending to cause Gloucester's downfall through Eleanor's downfall.
act 1 scene 3
Petitioners, including a man named Peter, arrive at the palace looking for Gloucester to help them with their grievances. Suffolk and Queen Margaret appear, and the petitioners present their complaints. When Margaret reads that one of the complaints is against Suffolk, she takes delight. Peter accuses his master, Thomas Horner, of stating that the Duke of York should be the true king, catching Suffolk's attention. He dismisses Peter to formalize his complaint while Margaret disregards the rest of the petitions. Margaret questions Suffolk about the court's affairs, expressing her frustration at Henry's weakness and his religious obsessions. Margaret is also troubled by Duchess's arrogant behavior. Suffolk comforts her, stating that he has a plan against the Duchess and reassures her of their position. They discuss their enemies, including Beaufort, Gloucester, Somerset, Buckingham, York, Salisbury, Warwick, and the Duchess, and express their intention to eliminate them gradually. Henry arrives with other nobles, including Gloucester and his wife, the Duchess. A disagreement arises over who should be the regent of France. When Margaret questions Gloucester's role, he offers his resignation, prompting accusations of incompetence from Margaret and other noblemen. After Gloucester departs, Margaret taunts the Duchess, which results in a heated exchange and the Duchess vowing revenge before storming out. Gloucester reappears, suggesting York as the regent of France, to which York objects citing possible delays caused by Somerset. Upon Horner and Peter's entrance, Suffolk reveals Peter's accusation against Horner. Despite Horner's denial, Peter insists on his claim. York demands justice against these scoundrels, but Gloucester suggests Somerset as the regent due to the suspicions surrounding York. He also recommends settling the dispute between Horner and Peter through a duel. Henry gives his consent while Peter, unfamiliar with combat, fears for his life. The two are escorted to prison to await their fight.
act 1 scene 4
A Witch and Bolingbroke, a magic practitioner, show up at Gloucester's residence along with Hume. They converse about the Duchess and hint at her observing their activities unseen with Hume. Upon her arrival, they commence their ritual with Bolingbroke leading the chants. A specter shows up promising to respond to their queries. Bolingbroke starts his interrogation with a question about Henry's future. The specter replies, "The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose, / But him outlive, and die a violent death" (I.iv.29-30). As for Suffolk's destiny, the spirit foretells a death at sea and warns Somerset to steer clear of castles. After delivering these prophesies, the spirit vanishes amidst thundering sound. York, Buckingham, and their troops show up next. York commands the capture of the magic practitioners. Upon discovering the written questions, Buckingham orders the detainment of the Duchess. Everyone is escorted away. Buckingham and York peruse Bolingbroke's queries. Buckingham expresses his desire to notify the king and Gloucester about the Duchess' capture, and requests permission to travel to Saint Albans for the same.
act 2 scene 1
Henry, Margaret, Gloucester, Beaufort, and Suffolk are out hunting in Saint Albans when Beaufort and Gloucester clash. Henry encourages peace. The pair, however, confront each other privately, planning to duel later. They mask their disagreement with hunting discussions, muttering threats. A local informs them of a supposed miracle; a blind man, Simpcox, has regained his sight at Saint Albans' shrine. Henry requests to meet him. Simpcox claims to have been blind from birth and now cured. Beaufort is skeptical about his additional claim of being lame due to a fall from a tree. On further questioning, Simpcox correctly identifies the colors of several robes. Gloucester deduces this is impossible; a man newly gifted sight would not know color names. Gloucester decides to cure Simpcox's lameness with a whip. Despite initial protests of weakness, Simpcox flees at the first strike. Gloucester instructs for his capture and public whipping in various towns. Buckingham brings news of the Duchess's arrest for engaging with sorcerers and seeking predictions about Henry and other lords. He shares a document containing the predictions. Suffolk learns from the spirit's response that he will perish at sea. Beaufort quietly tells Gloucester that their evening duel is off due to Gloucester's predicament. Gloucester reluctantly agrees. Apologizing to the king, Gloucester expresses regret for his wife's actions, vowing to cut ties with her for disgracing him. The king plans to return to London the next day to manage the situation.
act 2 scene 2
York discusses his royal claim with Salisbury and Warwick at his residence. He enlightens them about Edward III's seven sons. The oldest son passed away, leaving his child, Richard II, to ascend as king. Richard was overthrown by the Duke of Lancaster, a son of Edward III's fourth son, who had him killed and took over as Henry IV. As such, the Lancaster house unlawfully holds the throne. York is the descendent of Edward III's third son, part of the Mortimer lineage. The law mandates that the older son's child should rule before the younger son's child; hence, York, being the successor of Edward III's third son while Henry VI is the successor of Edward III's fourth son, should reign as king. Salisbury and Warwick acknowledge York's valid claim and pledge their allegiance to him as the rightful king of England. However, York cautions that he isn't king yet. They must permit the other nobles to carry on with their antics until they oust the noble and upright Gloucester. York prophesies that these nobles will eventually cause their own downfall.
act 2 scene 3
In a courtroom, Henry, Margaret, Gloucester, Suffolk, Buckingham, Beaufort, and others including the Witch, Hume, Bolingbroke, and the Duchess, are present. Soon, York, Salisbury, and Warwick join them. Henry sentences the Witch, Bolingbroke, and Hume to death, and orders the Duchess to go through a three-day public penance before banishing her to the Isle of Man. Gloucester seconds this decision and watches as the Duchess is led away. He then requests to leave, and Henry graciously allows it, assuring Gloucester of his protection and peace. However, Margaret is not as kind, insisting that Gloucester surrender his staff, arguing that Henry is now old enough to rule. Gloucester obeys, leaving his staff at Henry's feet and exits, hoping for peace in his absence. Margaret hands the discarded staff over to Henry. On the same day, York announces the impending fight between Peter and Horner. York openly criticizes Peter's fighting readiness. The two men show up, each with a staff tied to a sandbag. Horner is heavily drunk, while Peter is sober and refuses any drink offers. They engage in a fight which ends with Peter killing Horner. Henry proclaims Horner's death as proof of his treason.
act 2 scene 4
Gloucester, clad in mourning attire, is in the street with his crew, awaiting his wife's passing as she performs her penitence. The Duchess shows up barefoot, holding a candle, with her offenses listed on papers pinned to her back. She details the harsh stares she is receiving but Gloucester just advises her to remain patient. She questions her punishment considering her status as the protector's wife and wonders how she can handle the disgrace. She also warns Gloucester of a potential trap set by Suffolk, Beaufort, and York. Gloucester dismisses her fears, saying he hasn't committed any wrongdoing and hence can't be penalized for his good actions. He believes as long as he remains loyal and law-abiding, he is exempt from blame. He is certain that even her disgrace can't taint him. A messenger arrives, directing Gloucester to a parliament session supposed to take place at Bury St. Edmunds. As he bids his wife goodbye, Gloucester is so choked up, he can barely say a word. The Duchess, on the other hand, comments that her only happiness now lies in death, before she is taken to the Isle of Man by a servant.
act 3 scene 1
Buckingham, Suffolk, York, Beaufort, Henry, Margaret, Salisbury, and Warwick gather in a parliament hall. Henry is concerned about the absence of Gloucester. Margaret downplays Gloucester's absence, pointing out his recent arrogant behavior. She argues that Gloucester's popularity among the commoners, due to his flattery, makes him a threat to Henry's reign. Margaret's concerns are supported by Buckingham, Beaufort, and York, who bring up Gloucester's suspicious actions, strange punishments and questionable tax levies during the French wars. Henry, however, remains unconvinced, believing Gloucester to be innocent. Margaret counters, saying Gloucester's seeming innocence makes him even more dangerous. They are interrupted by Somerset who brings bad news - all English territories in France have been lost. York is dissatisfied at this news. Gloucester enters and Suffolk immediately arrests him on charges of treason. Gloucester disputes the accusations, insisting he used his own money to fund English troops in France and only applied harsh punishments to the most serious criminals. Despite his defense, Suffolk maintains the charges and Gloucester is taken away. Henry expresses hope for Gloucester's innocence but feels powerless in the face of his powerful adversaries. He laments having to betray Gloucester due to peer pressure. He leaves with Salisbury and Warwick, leaving Margaret to comment on Henry's excessive pity and naivety. The remaining lords, despite having no concrete evidence, agree that Gloucester needs to be executed. A messenger arrives with news of rebellion in Ireland. York agrees to lead an army to quell the rebellion. Alone, York reveals plans to seize the throne with the help of Jack Cade, a commoner who will impersonate the deceased John Mortimer, a claimant to the throne. York aims to evaluate public reaction to the Yorkist claim while he is in Ireland. If Cade is successful, York plans to return with his army and claim the throne.
act 3 scene 2
Gloucester is smothered in his bed by two murderers. Suffolk arrives after the deed is done and promises payment at his place. The king, his wife Margaret, Beaufort, and Somerset walk into the next room. King Henry tells Suffolk to bring Gloucester for trial and instructs everyone to ensure the trial is just. Margaret supports the decision. When Suffolk reports Gloucester's death, Henry faints. The king blames Suffolk for Gloucester's murder upon waking. Margaret questions Henry's harshness towards Suffolk. She also worries about what people will think of her now since she had issues with Gloucester. Margaret accuses Henry of neglecting her, and she regrets coming to England after listening to Suffolk's exaggerated tales of Henry's grandeur. She feels unloved and wishes for death. Warwick, Salisbury, and some commoners enter with rumors about Gloucester's murder. They blame it on Beaufort and Suffolk. Henry admits that Gloucester is dead but doesn't provide the cause. Warwick and Salisbury check out Gloucester's body and confirm it’s a murder. They argue with Suffolk, who denies any involvement. Beaufort falls sick during the quarrel and is helped out by Somerset. Warwick accuses Suffolk of the murder, leading to further arguments. Suffolk and Warwick return, swords in hand. Suffolk complains to Henry about Warwick's provocation. Salisbury brings news that the public wants Suffolk either killed or exiled, suspecting him of Gloucester's murder and fearing for the king. Henry agrees to banish Suffolk, despite Margaret's pleas. He gives Suffolk three days to leave. Margaret and Suffolk are left alone. They lament their fate and express their love for each other. A messenger interrupts with news of Beaufort's serious illness, who is said to be revealing secrets in his delirium. Margaret relays her sorrow over Suffolk’s banishment and encourages him to leave. Suffolk dreads being separated from her but agrees to go to France. Margaret promises to keep in touch.
act 3 scene 3
Henry, Warwick, and Salisbury walk into Beaufort's room. Beaufort is delirious, speaking about the brutalized image of Gloucester and declaring his intention to confess. The lords see that Beaufort's dying moments are marked by unrest, suggesting a conscience riddled with guilt. He breathes his last, and Warwick takes this dreadful death as evidence of a life lived badly. However, Henry cautions against passing judgment, reminding them that no one is without sin.
act 4 scene 1
An English ship off England's coast is under siege. The captain along with Walter Whitmore and other crew members hold captive a disguised Suffolk and two gentlemen. The captain allocates the prisoners among the crew, assigning Suffolk to Whitmore. Both gentlemen inquire about their ransom and propose to fetch the required funds. Hearing Whitmore's name, Suffolk is taken aback as he was once predicted to meet his end by a man of the same name and also at sea. Unmasking his true identity, Suffolk asserts that his noble blood shouldn't be spilled by the likes of Whitmore or the captain, whom he considers only suitable to serve nobility. The captain, irked by Suffolk's arrogance, orders his execution. He reprimands Suffolk for his past misdeeds, including his illicit affair with the queen, enjoying Gloucester's fall, his attempt to marry the king to a French noble's daughter and his role in losing Anjou and Maine. He also accuses Suffolk of instigating the house of York against the king. Suffolk struggles to accept his impending death by a commoner, yet Whitmore remains resolute. The gentlemen persuade him to plead for his life, but Suffolk, unaccustomed to begging, prefers to surrender his head than bow to anyone but the king. He staunchly believes in his noble immunity from fear and accepts that powerful men can sometimes fall to the hands of the weak. Whitmore escorts him away and later returns with his severed head. One of the gentlemen decides to deliver Suffolk's body to the king.
act 4 scene 2
On land, revolutionaries, discussing Jack Cade's future plans for the kingdom, agree that the new rule will favor workmen, not artisans. Cade, the Butcher, and the Weaver arrive. Cade gives a speech, claiming descent from the Mortimer and Plantagenet families, but is continuously mocked by the Butcher for his lack of nobility. He shares his vision of a kingdom with free beer, no currency, and a strong punishment for the literate, beginning with the murder of all lawyers. When a literate clerk is presented, Cade instructs his hanging with his writing tools. A messenger informs them of an attack by Stafford and his brother. Cade dismisses Stafford as a mere knight and knights himself. Stafford appears, demanding the rebels disarm. Cade asserts himself as the rightful ruler, leading to a debate. Stafford's brother accuses Cade of copying his claim for the throne from York, an accusation he denies. Cade and the Butcher plan to murder Lord Saye, blamed for the loss of Maine to the French and the resulting weakness in English holdings in France. Realizing negotiations with Cade are futile, Stafford and his brother decide to unleash the king's forces against the rebels and label Cade's followers as traitors. Cade rallies supporters of the common people to his side, urging them to hunt down the lords in the name of liberty. The sight of the approaching, organized soldiers terrifies the Butcher, but Cade insists his army is most effective in its disorderliness.
act 4 scene 3
During the conflict, the Staffords succumb, and Cade's forces advance on London.
act 4 scene 4
In the capital city, Henry is found perusing the rebels' demands, while Margaret arrives with Suffolk's severed head, Buckingham, Lord Saye, and others trailing behind her. Overwhelmed with grief, Margaret channels her emotions towards thoughts of retribution. Henry informs Saye that the rebels demand his execution. Observing Margaret's continuous lament, he remarks that her sorrow wouldn't be as profound if it were his demise. Suddenly, a courier arrives with news of Cade's advancing forces, revealing Cade's self-proclaimed identity as Mortimer and his ambition for the throne. Buckingham encourages Henry to evacuate London, and proposes Lord Saye accompany them, but fearing his presence may jeopardize the king, Saye elects to remain. Another courier reports that Cade is approaching London Bridge, with the city's residents rallying to his cause. Henry and Margaret make their escape, with Buckingham urging the steadfast Saye to maintain courage. Proclaiming his innocence, Saye confirms his bravery.
act 4 scene 5
A nobleman within the Tower queries the townsfolk underneath about Cade's death. They inform him that London's mayor has requested backup. Upon hearing this, the nobleman dispatches help.
act 4 scene 6
Cade and his crew conquer London, seizing control of the metropolis. A courier, carrying news of an assembling army outside the city walls to challenge Cade, is slain by him. He then leads his squad to face the impending battle.
act 4 scene 7
Jack Cade clashes with forces from the Tower, eliminating their leaders. The Butcher and Weaver propose that Cade create fresh statutes for England, albeit only verbally, not in print. Cade demands the burning of all documented accounts, pronouncing his declarations as the fresh legislation. News arrives that Saye has been apprehended, and a Rebel presents him. Cade addresses Saye with a lengthy monologue, mimicking refined language but expressing it in ordinary speech. He criticizes Saye for surrendering Normandy to France and demands the eradication of such corruption from the court. Cade attributes the corruption of youth to Saye through the establishment of grammar schools, introducing printing presses, and a paper mill. Cade complains about the unbearable chatter around Saye about nouns and verbs usage. Lastly, Cade blames Saye for incarcerating illiterate people. Saye responds by praising the decent customs of Kent residents, where Cade's forces originate. He denies any involvement in Normandy's loss and insists his only actions were to uphold the king, the country, and its citizens. He defends enlightenment, asserting ignorance is God's curse, and wisdom is the path to heaven. Despite this, Cade orders Saye's execution. Saye pleads innocent and requests mercy but is sentenced to death. A military officer accuses the Butcher of assaulting his wife. Cade decrees universal accessibility of all women to all men in his domain, instructing the Butcher to silence the officer and execute him. Some of Cade's followers present the severed heads of Saye and his son-in-law on spikes. Cade commands these to be displayed at every street corner.
act 4 scene 8
Buckingham and Clifford, representatives of the king, propose pardons for common folk willing to lay down their arms and disperse. Clifford advocates for the king, citing King Henry V, and sways the crowd in favor of the monarchy. Subsequently, Cade addresses the crowd, highlighting their newfound liberation under his leadership, and criticises their willingness to return to servitude under the aristocracy. Their loyalties shift back in favor of Cade, prompting an outcry of support for him. Clifford interjects once again, arguing that this internal conflict will only weaken England and attract a French invasion. He argues it's preferable for Cade to die rather than for any Englishman to bow to a Frenchman. This persuades the crowd to revert to supporting the king. Cade reflects on the crowd's fickle nature, comparing their shifting allegiances to a feather blown about by the wind. The mere mention of Henry V is enough to sway them from his side. He openly denounces his former supporters and flees the scene. Buckingham orders troops to pursue Cade.
act 4 scene 9
Henry, Margaret, and Somerset are in a castle. Henry's mood is somber when Buckingham and Clifford arrive to announce Cade's army has disbanded and the crowd now seeks pardon. Henry addresses them graciously, promising kindness, and then dismisses them. A messenger soon arrives with news of York's approach from Ireland, leading a formidable force. York's intention is to battle Somerset, who he believes is a traitor. The news distresses Henry, who likens his kingdom to a ship caught in a storm, first attacked by Cade, now York. He sends Buckingham to negotiate with York and Somerset is sent to the Tower until the matter with York can be resolved. Somerset accepts his imprisonment willingly for the king's sake. Cade is hiding in Alexander Iden's garden in Kent, weakened from a five-day fast. He scales the wall into Iden's vegetable garden to eat. Iden comes out with his men, discussing his retreat from court life in his small inherited garden. He spots Cade, who threatens him. Iden is puzzled by Cade's rudeness; Cade threatens to kill him. Iden doesn't want to fight a starving man, but Cade forces him to draw his sword and they battle. Iden kills Cade who, with his dying breath, speaks his name. Iden is taken aback by having slain Cade, but Cade retorts that hunger defeated him, not Iden's bravery. Iden instructs his men to dump Cade's body in a dunghill and decides to present Cade's head to the king.
act 5 scene 1
York, with his forces, arrives at a field near St. Albans, discussing his plans to seize the throne from the weak Henry. Buckingham, a royal envoy, appears. Understanding this, York lies about his intention, claiming his march on London is to oust Somerset, whom he labels a traitor. Buckingham informs him that Somerset is already imprisoned. Upon hearing this, York disbands his forces, promising their wages the following day. Henry then arrives, questioning York's troop presence. York reiterates his claim about Somerset and offers to use his forces against Jack Cade. Suddenly, Alexander Iden shows up with Cade's severed head. Delighted, Henry knights Iden. However, the mood shifts when Margaret walks in with a free Somerset. Unable to control himself, York accuses Henry of betrayal, declaring he is unfit to rule and that the crown belongs to him. Somerset orders York's arrest for treason. York demands his sons Edward and Richard, and Clifford, to defend him. Clifford labels York as a traitor, while Margaret discloses that York refuses to be taken to the Tower, demanding his sons' defence. York claims he is the rightful king, calling upon Salisbury and Warwick for their support. Richard praises Warwick's courage, and a bitter exchange takes place between Clifford and Richard, with York promising retribution. Henry challenges Salisbury and Warwick for their defiance. Salisbury asserts his belief in York's rightful claim to the throne, admitting to having given false allegiance to Henry. A war is brewing, with Henry urging Buckingham to prepare for combat, and York rallying his allies. The scene ends with Clifford and Warwick trading insults, and Richard clashing verbally with Clifford's son.
act 5 scene 2
York and Somerset engage in battle, with York eventually overcoming and killing Somerset under the symbol of a castle on a pub. York notes that the fortune teller's prediction concerning Somerset's demise was accurate. Warwick, who is pursuing Clifford, arrives. York requests to battle Clifford, prompting Warwick's exit. York kills Clifford in this conflict. York leaves the scene, just as Clifford's son shows up, shocked by the sight of retreating troops and his father's dead body. He mourns his father's fate, stating that if York has no mercy for the elderly, he won't show mercy to the young of York's family. Clifford's son declares that he will ruthlessly kill any York he encounters. Buckingham, injured, is brought to his tent. Upon their arrival, Margaret urges Henry to escape. Despite his fear, Henry is reluctant to leave, surprising Margaret. She encourages him to maintain his reign and seek safety in London, where he has supporters. Clifford's son appears, advising him to flee as well.
act 5 scene 3
York, along with his sons Edward and Richard, finds himself on the battlefield. It's been a victorious day, he comments, their side coming out on top. York queries Salisbury's location, to which Richard responds that he had assisted Salisbury thrice after falling from his steed. Salisbury and Warwick make their entrance shortly after. Salisbury conveys his gratitude towards Richard for his aid. Acknowledging their victory, Salisbury remarks that the mission isn't accomplished yet as their rivals have escaped. York shares a rumor he heard about the king seeking refuge in London and planning a parliament session. Although he proposes to pursue the king, Warwick offers a different strategy - to reach London before their adversary. Warwick then reminisces the victorious battle of St. Albans led by York, predicting it will earn a place in history.