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Flourish of trumpets, then hautboys. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and CARDINAL BEAUFORT, on the one side; QUEEN MARGARET, SUFFOLK, YORK, SOMERSET, and BUCKINGHAM, on the other.
Sounding of trumpets, then oboes. KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and CARDINAL BEAUFORT, on the one side; QUEEN MARGARET, SUFFOLK, YORK, SOMERSET, and BUCKINGHAM, on the other all enter.
SUFFOLK
As by your high imperial Majesty
I had in charge at my depart for France,
As procurator to your Excellence,
To marry Princess Margaret for your Grace,
5
So, in the famous ancient city Tours,
In presence of the Kings of France and Sicil,
The Dukes of Orleance, Calaber, Britaigne, and
Alanson,
Seven earls, twelve barons, and twenty reverend
10
bishops,
have performed my task and was espoused;
He kneels.
And humbly now upon my bended knee,
In sight of England and her lordly peers,
Deliver up my title in the Queen
15
To your most gracious hands, that are the substance
Of that great shadow I did represent:
The happiest gift that ever marquess gave,
The fairest queen that ever king received.
SUFFOLK
Your most royal majesty, before I departed for France, you gave me the task, as your agent, of marrying Princess Margaret on your behalf. So, in the famous ancient city of Tours, I did as you asked and married her in front of the kings of France and Sicily, the dukes of Orléans, Calabria, Brittany, and Alençon, and seven earls, twelve barons, and twenty respectable bishops.
He kneels. Now I kneel before you, in front of England and this country’s noblemen, to deliver my claim on the queen into your kind hands. I represented you like a shadow of greatness, but you are the real thing. And she is the best gift a

marquess

Also known as a marquis, this is the title of Suffolk’s current rank in the nobility.

marquess ever gave, and the most beautiful queen that a king ever received.
KING HENRY
Suffolk, arise.—Welcome, Queen Margaret.
SUFFOLK rises.
20
I can express no kinder sign of love
Than this kind kiss. He kisses her.
O Lord, that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!
For Thou hast given me in this beauteous face
25
A world of earthly blessings to my soul,
If sympathy of love unite our thoughts.
KING HENRY
Suffolk, stand up. Welcome, Queen Margaret.
SUFFOLK rises. The purest sign of love I can give you is this affectionate kiss. He kisses her.
God, you lent me life. Now, lend me a grateful heart to express my thanks for the world of earthly gifts you’ve given my soul in this beautiful face of hers—that is, if she feels the same love I do.
QUEEN MARGARET
Great king of England and my gracious lord,
The mutual conference that my mind hath had
By day, by night, waking and in my dreams,
30
In courtly company or at my beads,
With you, mine alderliefest sovereign,
Makes me the bolder to salute my king
With ruder terms, such as my wit affords
And overjoy of heart doth minister.
QUEEN MARGARET
Great king of England and my kind lord, I’ve been imagining—day and night, awake and in my dreams, in society and at prayer—private conversations with you, my most beloved ruler. And because of that, I now have the courage to greet you with whatever simple expressions my mind and overjoyed heart come up with.
KING HENRY
35
Her sight did ravish, but her grace in speech,
Her words yclad with wisdom’s majesty,
Makes me from wond’ring fall to weeping joys,
Such is the fullness of my heart’s content.
Lords, with one cheerful voice welcome my love.
KING HENRY
The sight of her filled me with delight, but the elegant way she speaks, her words clothed in dignified wisdom, fills me with awe and makes me weep with joy. That’s how full my heart is with happiness. Lords, join me in cheerfully welcoming my love.
ALL kneel.
40
Long live Queen Margaret, England’s happiness!
ALL kneel.
Long live Queen Margaret, England’s new source of happiness!
QUEEN MARGARET
We thank you all.
QUEEN MARGARET
Thank you, everyone.
Flourish. All rise.
Trumpets. All rise.
SUFFOLK , to GLOUCESTER
My Lord Protector, so it please your Grace,
Here are the articles of contracted peace
Between our sovereign and the French king Charles,
45
For eighteen months concluded by consent.
SUFFOLK , to GLOUCESTER
My Lord

protector

The role of the “protector” is to govern the kingdom when a king is still too young to do so himself.

protector , if you care to see them now, these are the terms of the peace treaty between our king and Charles, the French king, which was agreed will last for eighteen months.
He hands GLOUCESTER a paper.
He hands GLOUCESTER a paper.
GLOUCESTER (reads)
Imprimis, it is agreed between the
French king Charles and William de la Pole, Marquess
of Suffolk, ambassador for Henry, King of England,
that the said Henry shall espouse the Lady
50
Margaret, daughter unto Reignier, King of Naples,
Sicilia, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England
ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing. Item,
that the duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine
shall be released and delivered to the King her
55
father— He drops the paper.
GLOUCESTER (reads)
First, it is agreed between Charles, the French king, and William de la Pole, the Marquess of Suffolk, that King Henry will marry the Lady Margaret, the daughter of Reignier, the king of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England before the thirtieth day of next May. Also, the

duchy

A duchy is a territory belonging to a duke or duchess.

duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine are to be given to the king, her father— He drops the paper.
KING HENRY
Uncle, how now?
KING HENRY
What’s wrong, uncle?
GLOUCESTER
Pardon me, gracious lord.
Some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heart
And dimmed mine eyes, that I can read no further.
GLOUCESTER
I’m sorry, my lord. I suddenly don’t feel well. It’s my heart. And I’m having trouble seeing. I can’t read anymore.
KING HENRY
60
Uncle of Winchester, I pray read on.
KING HENRY
Uncle Winchester, please, you continue reading.
CARDINAL picks up the paper and reads
Item, it is further
agreed between them that the duchies of
Anjou and Maine shall be released and delivered to
the King her father, and she sent over of the King of
65
England’s own proper cost and charges, without
having any dowry.
CARDINAL picks up the paper and reads
Also, they agree that the duchies of Anjou and Maine are to be given to the king, her father, and that Margaret will be sent, without a dowry, to Henry at Henry’s own expense.
KING HENRY
They please us well.—Lord Marquess, kneel down.
Suffolk kneels.
We here create thee the first Duke of Suffolk
And girt thee with the sword. Suffolk rises. Cousin
70
of York,
We here discharge your Grace from being regent
I’ th’ parts of France till term of eighteen months
Be full expired.—Thanks, Uncle Winchester,
Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset,
75
Salisbury, and Warwick;
We thank you all for this great favor done
In entertainment to my princely queen.
Come, let us in, and with all speed provide
To see her coronation be performed.
KING HENRY
Sounds good to me. Lord Marquess, kneel down.
Suffolk kneels. I hereby make you the first Duke of Suffolk and strap this sword around you. Suffolk rises. My lord York, you’re hereby dismissed from governing in France for eighteen months. Thanks, uncle Winchester, Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset, Salisbury, and Warwick. I thank you all for welcoming my noble queen by doing her this great kindness. Come, let’s go inside and quickly prepare for her coronation.
KING , QUEEN, and SUFFOLK exit. The rest remain.
KING , QUEEN, and SUFFOLK exit. The rest remain.
GLOUCESTER
80
Brave peers of England, pillars of the state,
To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief,
Your grief, the common grief of all the land.
What, did my brother Henry spend his youth,
His valor, coin, and people in the wars?
85
Did he so often lodge in open field,
In winter’s cold and summer’s parching heat,
To conquer France, his true inheritance?
And did my brother Bedford toil his wits
To keep by policy what Henry got?
90
Have you yourselves, Somerset, Buckingham
Brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick,
Received deep scars in France and Normandy?
Or hath mine uncle Beaufort and myself,
With all the learnèd council of the realm,
95
Studied so long, sat in the Council House,
Early and late, debating to and fro
How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe,
And had his Highness in his infancy
Crowned in Paris in despite of foes?
100
And shall these labors and these honors die?
Shall Henry’s conquest, Bedford’s vigilance,
Your deeds of war, and all our counsel die?
O peers of England, shameful is this league,
Fatal this marriage, cancelling your fame,
105
Blotting your names from books of memory,
Razing the characters of your renown,
Defacing monuments of conquered France,
Undoing all, as all had never been!
GLOUCESTER
Brave noblemen of England, you who hold up the kingdom, I have to express my grief to you—but it’s your grief too, the common grief of everyone in this country. Didn’t my brother

Henry

Gloucester means Henry V, the current king’s father, who had just died at the beginning of Henry VI, Part 1.

Henry spend his youth, his bravery, his money, and his people in the wars? Didn’t he camp out in the open field, in the cold of winter and the scorching heat of summer, to conquer France, his rightful inheritance? And didn’t my brother

Bedford

The Duke of Bedford, who dies in battle in Henry VI, Part 1.

Bedford use all his political brilliance to keep what Henry had won? Haven’t you yourselves—Somerset, Buckingham, brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick—received deep scars in France and Normandy? And didn’t my uncle Beaufort and myself, with all the knowledgeable advisers in the kingdom, sit in the Council House, early and late, studying and debating back and forth how we could keep France and the Frenchmen obedient and how we could get the young king crowned in Paris despite his enemies? And will all this work and all these great accomplishments now be for nothing? Will Henry’s conquest, Bedford’s attentiveness, your achievements in battle, and all our deliberation be for nothing? Noblemen of England, this alliance is shameful. This marriage is going to be the end of you. It will obliterate your reputations, erase your names from the history books, destroy the records of your fame, deface your monuments in the conquered parts of France—it will undo everything, as if none of it had ever happened!
CARDINAL
Nephew, what means this passionate discourse,
110
This peroration with such circumstance?
For France, ’tis ours, and we will keep it still.
CARDINAL
Nephew, what’s this all about, this excited talk, this long-winded speech? France is still ours.
GLOUCESTER
Ay, uncle, we will keep it if we can,
But now it is impossible we should.
Suffolk, the new-made duke that rules the roast,
115
Hath given the duchy of Anjou and Maine
Unto the poor King Reignier, whose large style
Agrees not with the leanness of his purse.
GLOUCESTER
Yes, uncle, if we can keep it, but that’s impossible now. Suffolk, the newly made duke who’s in charge of everything, gave the duchies of Anjou and Maine to King Reignier, who’s broke—his big titles hide his empty purse.
SALISBURY
Now, by the death of Him that died for all,
These counties were the keys of Normandy.
120
But wherefore weeps Warwick, my valiant son?
SALISBURY
For Christ’s sake, those counties were the keys to Normandy. But Warwick, my brave son, why are you crying?
WARWICK
For grief that they are past recovery;
For, were there hope to conquer them again,
My sword should shed hot blood, mine eyes no
tears.
125
Anjou and Maine? Myself did win them both!
Those provinces these arms of mine did conquer.
And are the cities that I got with wounds
Delivered up again with peaceful words?
Mort Dieu!
WARWICK
I’m afraid we can’t get them back. If there were some hope of reconquering them, my sword would be shedding hot blood instead of my eyes crying tears. I conquered Anjou and Maine with these very arms! And now the cities that I paid for with these wounds have been given up peacefully?

Mort Dieu!

French expression that literally means “God’s death!” but is the equivalent of something like “Good God!” in English.

Mort Dieu!
YORK
130
For Suffolk’s duke, may he be suffocate
That dims the honor of this warlike isle!
France should have torn and rent my very heart
Before I would have yielded to this league.
I never read but England’s kings have had
135
Large sums of gold and dowries with their wives;
And our King Henry gives away his own
To match with her that brings no vantages.
YORK
I hope the Duke of Suffolk suffocates! He’s diminished the honor of our country of warriors. France would’ve had to tear my heart out before I gave in to this alliance. I’ve never read about England’s kings getting anything less than large amounts of gold and dowries with their wives. And our King Henry gives away his own possessions to marry someone who brings nothing.
GLOUCESTER
A proper jest, and never heard before,
That Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth
140
For costs and charges in transporting her!
She should have stayed in France and starved in
France
Before—
GLOUCESTER
It’s ridiculous that Suffolk is demanding a one-fifteenth property tax to cover the expenses of transporting her here! She would’ve had to stay in France and starve there before—
CARDINAL
My lord of Gloucester, now you grow too hot.
145
It was the pleasure of my lord the King.
CARDINAL
My lord of Gloucester, you’re getting too agitated. This was what my lord the king wanted.
GLOUCESTER
My lord of Winchester, I know your mind.
’Tis not my speeches that you do mislike,
But ’tis my presence that doth trouble you.
Rancor will out. Proud prelate, in thy face
150
I see thy fury. If I longer stay,
We shall begin our ancient bickerings.—
Lordings, farewell; and say, when I am gone,
I prophesied France will be lost ere long.
GLOUCESTER
My lord of Winchester, I know what you’re thinking. It’s not my speeches you don’t like. It’s my being here that bothers you. Hatred will always show itself. I see the anger in your face, you arrogant bishop. If I stay any longer, we’re going to start up our old fighting again. Lords, goodbye. When I’m gone, tell everyone that I predicted France would soon be lost.
GLOUCESTER exits.
GLOUCESTER exits.
CARDINAL
So, there goes our Protector in a rage.
155
’Tis known to you he is mine enemy,
Nay, more, an enemy unto you all,
And no great friend, I fear me, to the King.
Consider, lords, he is the next of blood
And heir apparent to the English crown.
160
Had Henry got an empire by his marriage,
And all the wealthy kingdoms of the West,
There’s reason he should be displeased at it.
Look to it, lords. Let not his smoothing words
Bewitch your hearts; be wise and circumspect.
165
What though the common people favor him,
Calling him “Humphrey, the good Duke of
Gloucester,”
Clapping their hands and crying with loud voice
“Jesu maintain your royal Excellence!”
170
With “God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!”
I fear me, lords, for all this flattering gloss,
He will be found a dangerous Protector.
CARDINAL
And there goes our protector in a rage. As you know, he’s my enemy—in fact, he’s an enemy of all of you and no great friend to the king, I’m afraid. Remember, he’s the king’s nearest blood relative and future successor to the English throne. Henry could’ve acquired a whole empire in marriage, along with all the wealthy kingdoms in the

west

Shakespeare seems to mean the Americas, which were discovered before his time but after the time this play is set.

west , and Gloucester would still find some reason to be offended by it. Be on your guard, lords. Don’t let his flattering words charm you. Be smart and cautious. Even though the people like him—calling him “Humphrey, the good Duke of Gloucester,” clapping their hands, and exclaiming in a loud voice, “May Jesus take care of you, your royal excellence!” and “May God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!”—I’m afraid that despite all this praise on the surface, he’ll turn out to be a dangerous protector.
BUCKINGHAM
Why should he, then, protect our sovereign,
He being of age to govern of himself?—
175
Cousin of Somerset, join you with me,
And all together, with the Duke of Suffolk,
We’ll quickly hoise Duke Humphrey from his seat.
BUCKINGHAM
So, why should he protect our king? Henry’s old enough to govern himself. My lord Somerset, join me—and all of you too—with the Duke of Suffolk, and we’ll remove Duke Humphrey from his position right away.
CARDINAL
This weighty business will not brook delay.
I’ll to the Duke of Suffolk presently. CARDINAL exits.
CARDINAL
The important business can’t wait. I’ll go to the Duke of Suffolk immediately. CARDINAL exits.
SOMERSET
180
Cousin of Buckingham, though Humphrey’s pride
And greatness of his place be grief to us,
Yet let us watch the haughty cardinal.
His insolence is more intolerable
Than all the princes’ in the land besides.
185
If Gloucester be displaced, he’ll be Protector.
SOMERSET
My lord Buckingham, even though Humphrey’s superior attitude and his high position in government are painful to us, we should still keep an eye on that arrogant cardinal. His disrespect is worse than any prince in the country. And if Gloucester’s removed, then the cardinal will become the protector.
BUCKINGHAM
Or thou or I, Somerset, will be Protector,
Despite Duke Humphrey or the Cardinal.
BUCKINGHAM
Or one of us, Somerset, could become the protector, defying both Duke Humphrey and the cardinal.
BUCKINGHAM and SOMERSET exit.
BUCKINGHAM and SOMERSET exit.
SALISBURY
Pride went before; Ambition follows him.
While these do labor for their own preferment,
190
Behooves it us to labor for the realm.
I never saw but Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester,
Did bear him like a noble gentleman.
Oft have I seen the haughty cardinal,
More like a soldier than a man o’ th’ Church,
195
As stout and proud as he were lord of all,
Swear like a ruffian and demean himself
Unlike the ruler of a commonweal.—
Warwick, my son, the comfort of my age,
Thy deeds, thy plainness, and thy housekeeping
200
Hath won the greatest favor of the Commons,
Excepting none but good Duke Humphrey.—
And, brother York, thy acts in Ireland,
In bringing them to civil discipline,
Thy late exploits done in the heart of France,
205
When thou wert regent for our sovereign,
Have made thee feared and honored of the people.
Join we together for the public good
In what we can to bridle and suppress
The pride of Suffolk and the Cardinal,
210
With Somerset’s and Buckingham’s ambition;
And, as we may, cherish Duke Humphrey’s deeds
While they do tend the profit of the land.
SALISBURY

There goes arrogance, followed by ambition

Salisbury is referring to the arrogant cardinal, who left first, and ambitious Somerset.

There goes arrogance, followed by ambition . While these two work to advance their careers, it’s our duty to work for the kingdom. I’ve only ever seen Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, behave like a noble gentleman. The arrogant cardinal acts more like a soldier than a man of the church, high-and-mighty, as if he were lord over everything. I’ve often seen him swear like a criminal and behave unlike a ruler of a state.
 
Warwick, my son, you’re a comfort to me in my old age. Your actions, your honesty, and your hospitality have made you a public favorite, after Duke Humphrey. And, my brother York, your actions in Ireland, bringing civil order among them, and your recent accomplishments in the center of France when you were governing for our king—these have made the people fear and respect you.
 
Let’s join together, for the good of the public, and do what we can to restrain and keep down the arrogance of Suffolk and the cardinal as well as the ambition of Somerset and Buckingham. And if we can, let’s support Duke Humphrey’s actions as long as they contribute to the good of the country.
WARWICK
So God help Warwick, as he loves the land
And common profit of his country!
WARWICK
I’m with you, so help me God. I love this country and its common good.
YORK
215
And so says York— aside for he hath greatest
cause.
YORK
I’m with you as well—( aside ) especially since it’s in my best interest.
SALISBURY
Then let’s make haste away and look unto the main.
SALISBURY
Then let’s hurry off and attend to the main issue.
WARWICK
Unto the main? O father, Maine is lost!
That Maine which by main force Warwick did win
220
And would have kept so long as breath did last!
Main chance, father, you meant; but I meant Maine,
Which I will win from France or else be slain.
WARWICK
The main issue? Father, we lost Maine! The Maine that, mainly by force, I won—and I would’ve kept it so long as I could breathe. You meant “main opportunity,” father, but I meant “Maine,” which I’ll win back from France or else be killed.
WARWICK and SALISBURY exit. YORK remains.
WARWICK and SALISBURY exit. YORK remains.
YORK
Anjou and Maine are given to the French;
Paris is lost; the state of Normandy
225
Stands on a tickle point now they are gone.
Suffolk concluded on the articles,
The peers agreed, and Henry was well pleased
To change two dukedoms for a duke’s fair daughter.
I cannot blame them all. What is ’t to them?
230
’Tis thine they give away, and not their own.
Pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their
pillage,
And purchase friends, and give to courtesans,
Still reveling like lords till all be gone;
235
Whileas the silly owner of the goods
Weeps over them, and wrings his hapless hands,
And shakes his head, and trembling stands aloof,
While all is shared and all is borne away,
Ready to starve, and dare not touch his own.
240
So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue
While his own lands are bargained for and sold.
Methinks the realms of England, France, and
Ireland
Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood
245
As did the fatal brand Althaea burnt
Unto the Prince’s heart of Calydon.
Anjou and Maine both given unto the French!
Cold news for me, for I had hope of France,
Even as I have of fertile England’s soil.
250
A day will come when York shall claim his own;
And therefore I will take the Nevilles’ parts
And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey,
And, when I spy advantage, claim the crown,
For that’s the golden mark I seek to hit.
255
Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right,
Nor hold the scepter in his childish fist,
Nor wear the diadem upon his head,
Whose churchlike humors fits not for a crown.
Then, York, be still awhile till time do serve.
260
Watch thou and wake, when others be asleep,
To pry into the secrets of the state
Till Henry, surfeiting in joys of love
With his new bride and England’s dear-bought
queen,
265
And Humphrey with the peers be fall’n at jars.
Then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose,
With whose sweet smell the air shall be perfumed,
And in my standard bear the arms of York,
To grapple with the house of Lancaster;
270
And force perforce I’ll make him yield the crown,
Whose bookish rule hath pulled fair England down.
YORK
Anjou and Maine have been given back to the French, and we’ve lost Paris. Our hold on the region of Normandy is unstable without them. Suffolk settled the terms, the noblemen agreed to them, and Henry was happy to exchange two

dukedoms

Dukedoms and duchies are both areas governed by a duke.

dukedoms for a duke’s beautiful daughter. And I can’t blame them. What do they care? It’s my inheritance they’re giving away, not their own. Pirates sell what they’ve stolen cheaply, buy their friends, pay prostitutes, and party like kings until it’s all gone. Meanwhile, the helpless owner cries over the goods, his unlucky hands fidget with anxiety, he shakes his head, and he stands alone trembling as everything is passed around and carried off. He prepares to starve, not daring to touch what belongs to him. In the same way, I have to sit here, silently worrying, while my land is bargained for and sold. England, France, and Ireland are to my flesh and blood what that deadly log Althaea burned in the fire was to

the Prince of Calydon’s heart

In Greek mythology, Althaea’s son, the Prince of Calydon, was fated to die when a particular log burned up. After he killed his mother’s brothers, she threw the log in a fire and he died. York is saying that he might as well die without his kingdoms, just like Calydon died when the log was gone.

the Prince of Calydon’s heart . I can’t believe Anjou and Maine were both given back to the French! That’s bad news for me. I still had some hope for France, just as I still do for England’s rich soil. But there will come a day when I will claim what’s mine. So, I’ll take the side of the

Nevilles

York is talking about Salisbury and Warwick, whose family name is Neville.

Nevilles and pretend to love that arrogant Duke Humphrey. Then, when I see my opportunity, I’ll claim the crown, the golden target I’m aiming for. And I won’t let the arrogant

Lancaster

This is Henry VI, who belongs to the Lancaster family.

Lancaster take away my right to it. I won’t let him hold the scepter in his childish fist or wear the crown on his head. He’s too religious for a crown anyway. So, I’ll wait patiently until it’s time, watching and remaining awake, prying into government secrets while others sleep. But when Henry is drunk on love with his new bride, the queen he bought at England’s expense, and Humphrey’s fighting with the other noblemen, then I’ll raise the milk-white rose

Established in Henry VI, Part 1, the white rose represents York and his supporters, while the red rose represents the Lancaster family, which Gloucester and the Henrys belong to.

 , which will fill the air with its sweet perfume, and take up my flag and my weapons to fight the Lancaster family. By violent force, I’ll take the crown from Henry, whose passive governance has brought down our beautiful England.
YORK exits.
YORK exits.

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Original Text

Modern Text
Flourish of trumpets, then hautboys. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and CARDINAL BEAUFORT, on the one side; QUEEN MARGARET, SUFFOLK, YORK, SOMERSET, and BUCKINGHAM, on the other.
Sounding of trumpets, then oboes. KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and CARDINAL BEAUFORT, on the one side; QUEEN MARGARET, SUFFOLK, YORK, SOMERSET, and BUCKINGHAM, on the other all enter.
SUFFOLK
As by your high imperial Majesty
I had in charge at my depart for France,
As procurator to your Excellence,
To marry Princess Margaret for your Grace,
5
So, in the famous ancient city Tours,
In presence of the Kings of France and Sicil,
The Dukes of Orleance, Calaber, Britaigne, and
Alanson,
Seven earls, twelve barons, and twenty reverend
10
bishops,
have performed my task and was espoused;
He kneels.
And humbly now upon my bended knee,
In sight of England and her lordly peers,
Deliver up my title in the Queen
15
To your most gracious hands, that are the substance
Of that great shadow I did represent:
The happiest gift that ever marquess gave,
The fairest queen that ever king received.
SUFFOLK
Your most royal majesty, before I departed for France, you gave me the task, as your agent, of marrying Princess Margaret on your behalf. So, in the famous ancient city of Tours, I did as you asked and married her in front of the kings of France and Sicily, the dukes of Orléans, Calabria, Brittany, and Alençon, and seven earls, twelve barons, and twenty respectable bishops.
He kneels. Now I kneel before you, in front of England and this country’s noblemen, to deliver my claim on the queen into your kind hands. I represented you like a shadow of greatness, but you are the real thing. And she is the best gift a

marquess

Also known as a marquis, this is the title of Suffolk’s current rank in the nobility.

marquess ever gave, and the most beautiful queen that a king ever received.
KING HENRY
Suffolk, arise.—Welcome, Queen Margaret.
SUFFOLK rises.
20
I can express no kinder sign of love
Than this kind kiss. He kisses her.
O Lord, that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!
For Thou hast given me in this beauteous face
25
A world of earthly blessings to my soul,
If sympathy of love unite our thoughts.
KING HENRY
Suffolk, stand up. Welcome, Queen Margaret.
SUFFOLK rises. The purest sign of love I can give you is this affectionate kiss. He kisses her.
God, you lent me life. Now, lend me a grateful heart to express my thanks for the world of earthly gifts you’ve given my soul in this beautiful face of hers—that is, if she feels the same love I do.
QUEEN MARGARET
Great king of England and my gracious lord,
The mutual conference that my mind hath had
By day, by night, waking and in my dreams,
30
In courtly company or at my beads,
With you, mine alderliefest sovereign,
Makes me the bolder to salute my king
With ruder terms, such as my wit affords
And overjoy of heart doth minister.
QUEEN MARGARET
Great king of England and my kind lord, I’ve been imagining—day and night, awake and in my dreams, in society and at prayer—private conversations with you, my most beloved ruler. And because of that, I now have the courage to greet you with whatever simple expressions my mind and overjoyed heart come up with.
KING HENRY
35
Her sight did ravish, but her grace in speech,
Her words yclad with wisdom’s majesty,
Makes me from wond’ring fall to weeping joys,
Such is the fullness of my heart’s content.
Lords, with one cheerful voice welcome my love.
KING HENRY
The sight of her filled me with delight, but the elegant way she speaks, her words clothed in dignified wisdom, fills me with awe and makes me weep with joy. That’s how full my heart is with happiness. Lords, join me in cheerfully welcoming my love.
ALL kneel.
40
Long live Queen Margaret, England’s happiness!
ALL kneel.
Long live Queen Margaret, England’s new source of happiness!
QUEEN MARGARET
We thank you all.
QUEEN MARGARET
Thank you, everyone.
Flourish. All rise.
Trumpets. All rise.
SUFFOLK , to GLOUCESTER
My Lord Protector, so it please your Grace,
Here are the articles of contracted peace
Between our sovereign and the French king Charles,
45
For eighteen months concluded by consent.
SUFFOLK , to GLOUCESTER
My Lord

protector

The role of the “protector” is to govern the kingdom when a king is still too young to do so himself.

protector , if you care to see them now, these are the terms of the peace treaty between our king and Charles, the French king, which was agreed will last for eighteen months.
He hands GLOUCESTER a paper.
He hands GLOUCESTER a paper.
GLOUCESTER (reads)
Imprimis, it is agreed between the
French king Charles and William de la Pole, Marquess
of Suffolk, ambassador for Henry, King of England,
that the said Henry shall espouse the Lady
50
Margaret, daughter unto Reignier, King of Naples,
Sicilia, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England
ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing. Item,
that the duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine
shall be released and delivered to the King her
55
father— He drops the paper.
GLOUCESTER (reads)
First, it is agreed between Charles, the French king, and William de la Pole, the Marquess of Suffolk, that King Henry will marry the Lady Margaret, the daughter of Reignier, the king of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England before the thirtieth day of next May. Also, the

duchy

A duchy is a territory belonging to a duke or duchess.

duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine are to be given to the king, her father— He drops the paper.
KING HENRY
Uncle, how now?
KING HENRY
What’s wrong, uncle?
GLOUCESTER
Pardon me, gracious lord.
Some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heart
And dimmed mine eyes, that I can read no further.
GLOUCESTER
I’m sorry, my lord. I suddenly don’t feel well. It’s my heart. And I’m having trouble seeing. I can’t read anymore.
KING HENRY
60
Uncle of Winchester, I pray read on.
KING HENRY
Uncle Winchester, please, you continue reading.
CARDINAL picks up the paper and reads
Item, it is further
agreed between them that the duchies of
Anjou and Maine shall be released and delivered to
the King her father, and she sent over of the King of
65
England’s own proper cost and charges, without
having any dowry.
CARDINAL picks up the paper and reads
Also, they agree that the duchies of Anjou and Maine are to be given to the king, her father, and that Margaret will be sent, without a dowry, to Henry at Henry’s own expense.
KING HENRY
They please us well.—Lord Marquess, kneel down.
Suffolk kneels.
We here create thee the first Duke of Suffolk
And girt thee with the sword. Suffolk rises. Cousin
70
of York,
We here discharge your Grace from being regent
I’ th’ parts of France till term of eighteen months
Be full expired.—Thanks, Uncle Winchester,
Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset,
75
Salisbury, and Warwick;
We thank you all for this great favor done
In entertainment to my princely queen.
Come, let us in, and with all speed provide
To see her coronation be performed.
KING HENRY
Sounds good to me. Lord Marquess, kneel down.
Suffolk kneels. I hereby make you the first Duke of Suffolk and strap this sword around you. Suffolk rises. My lord York, you’re hereby dismissed from governing in France for eighteen months. Thanks, uncle Winchester, Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset, Salisbury, and Warwick. I thank you all for welcoming my noble queen by doing her this great kindness. Come, let’s go inside and quickly prepare for her coronation.
KING , QUEEN, and SUFFOLK exit. The rest remain.
KING , QUEEN, and SUFFOLK exit. The rest remain.
GLOUCESTER
80
Brave peers of England, pillars of the state,
To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief,
Your grief, the common grief of all the land.
What, did my brother Henry spend his youth,
His valor, coin, and people in the wars?
85
Did he so often lodge in open field,
In winter’s cold and summer’s parching heat,
To conquer France, his true inheritance?
And did my brother Bedford toil his wits
To keep by policy what Henry got?
90
Have you yourselves, Somerset, Buckingham
Brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick,
Received deep scars in France and Normandy?
Or hath mine uncle Beaufort and myself,
With all the learnèd council of the realm,
95
Studied so long, sat in the Council House,
Early and late, debating to and fro
How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe,
And had his Highness in his infancy
Crowned in Paris in despite of foes?
100
And shall these labors and these honors die?
Shall Henry’s conquest, Bedford’s vigilance,
Your deeds of war, and all our counsel die?
O peers of England, shameful is this league,
Fatal this marriage, cancelling your fame,
105
Blotting your names from books of memory,
Razing the characters of your renown,
Defacing monuments of conquered France,
Undoing all, as all had never been!
GLOUCESTER
Brave noblemen of England, you who hold up the kingdom, I have to express my grief to you—but it’s your grief too, the common grief of everyone in this country. Didn’t my brother

Henry

Gloucester means Henry V, the current king’s father, who had just died at the beginning of Henry VI, Part 1.

Henry spend his youth, his bravery, his money, and his people in the wars? Didn’t he camp out in the open field, in the cold of winter and the scorching heat of summer, to conquer France, his rightful inheritance? And didn’t my brother

Bedford

The Duke of Bedford, who dies in battle in Henry VI, Part 1.

Bedford use all his political brilliance to keep what Henry had won? Haven’t you yourselves—Somerset, Buckingham, brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick—received deep scars in France and Normandy? And didn’t my uncle Beaufort and myself, with all the knowledgeable advisers in the kingdom, sit in the Council House, early and late, studying and debating back and forth how we could keep France and the Frenchmen obedient and how we could get the young king crowned in Paris despite his enemies? And will all this work and all these great accomplishments now be for nothing? Will Henry’s conquest, Bedford’s attentiveness, your achievements in battle, and all our deliberation be for nothing? Noblemen of England, this alliance is shameful. This marriage is going to be the end of you. It will obliterate your reputations, erase your names from the history books, destroy the records of your fame, deface your monuments in the conquered parts of France—it will undo everything, as if none of it had ever happened!
CARDINAL
Nephew, what means this passionate discourse,
110
This peroration with such circumstance?
For France, ’tis ours, and we will keep it still.
CARDINAL
Nephew, what’s this all about, this excited talk, this long-winded speech? France is still ours.
GLOUCESTER
Ay, uncle, we will keep it if we can,
But now it is impossible we should.
Suffolk, the new-made duke that rules the roast,
115
Hath given the duchy of Anjou and Maine
Unto the poor King Reignier, whose large style
Agrees not with the leanness of his purse.
GLOUCESTER
Yes, uncle, if we can keep it, but that’s impossible now. Suffolk, the newly made duke who’s in charge of everything, gave the duchies of Anjou and Maine to King Reignier, who’s broke—his big titles hide his empty purse.
SALISBURY
Now, by the death of Him that died for all,
These counties were the keys of Normandy.
120
But wherefore weeps Warwick, my valiant son?
SALISBURY
For Christ’s sake, those counties were the keys to Normandy. But Warwick, my brave son, why are you crying?
WARWICK
For grief that they are past recovery;
For, were there hope to conquer them again,
My sword should shed hot blood, mine eyes no
tears.
125
Anjou and Maine? Myself did win them both!
Those provinces these arms of mine did conquer.
And are the cities that I got with wounds
Delivered up again with peaceful words?
Mort Dieu!
WARWICK
I’m afraid we can’t get them back. If there were some hope of reconquering them, my sword would be shedding hot blood instead of my eyes crying tears. I conquered Anjou and Maine with these very arms! And now the cities that I paid for with these wounds have been given up peacefully?

Mort Dieu!

French expression that literally means “God’s death!” but is the equivalent of something like “Good God!” in English.

Mort Dieu!
YORK
130
For Suffolk’s duke, may he be suffocate
That dims the honor of this warlike isle!
France should have torn and rent my very heart
Before I would have yielded to this league.
I never read but England’s kings have had
135
Large sums of gold and dowries with their wives;
And our King Henry gives away his own
To match with her that brings no vantages.
YORK
I hope the Duke of Suffolk suffocates! He’s diminished the honor of our country of warriors. France would’ve had to tear my heart out before I gave in to this alliance. I’ve never read about England’s kings getting anything less than large amounts of gold and dowries with their wives. And our King Henry gives away his own possessions to marry someone who brings nothing.
GLOUCESTER
A proper jest, and never heard before,
That Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth
140
For costs and charges in transporting her!
She should have stayed in France and starved in
France
Before—
GLOUCESTER
It’s ridiculous that Suffolk is demanding a one-fifteenth property tax to cover the expenses of transporting her here! She would’ve had to stay in France and starve there before—
CARDINAL
My lord of Gloucester, now you grow too hot.
145
It was the pleasure of my lord the King.
CARDINAL
My lord of Gloucester, you’re getting too agitated. This was what my lord the king wanted.
GLOUCESTER
My lord of Winchester, I know your mind.
’Tis not my speeches that you do mislike,
But ’tis my presence that doth trouble you.
Rancor will out. Proud prelate, in thy face
150
I see thy fury. If I longer stay,
We shall begin our ancient bickerings.—
Lordings, farewell; and say, when I am gone,
I prophesied France will be lost ere long.
GLOUCESTER
My lord of Winchester, I know what you’re thinking. It’s not my speeches you don’t like. It’s my being here that bothers you. Hatred will always show itself. I see the anger in your face, you arrogant bishop. If I stay any longer, we’re going to start up our old fighting again. Lords, goodbye. When I’m gone, tell everyone that I predicted France would soon be lost.
GLOUCESTER exits.
GLOUCESTER exits.
CARDINAL
So, there goes our Protector in a rage.
155
’Tis known to you he is mine enemy,
Nay, more, an enemy unto you all,
And no great friend, I fear me, to the King.
Consider, lords, he is the next of blood
And heir apparent to the English crown.
160
Had Henry got an empire by his marriage,
And all the wealthy kingdoms of the West,
There’s reason he should be displeased at it.
Look to it, lords. Let not his smoothing words
Bewitch your hearts; be wise and circumspect.
165
What though the common people favor him,
Calling him “Humphrey, the good Duke of
Gloucester,”
Clapping their hands and crying with loud voice
“Jesu maintain your royal Excellence!”
170
With “God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!”
I fear me, lords, for all this flattering gloss,
He will be found a dangerous Protector.
CARDINAL
And there goes our protector in a rage. As you know, he’s my enemy—in fact, he’s an enemy of all of you and no great friend to the king, I’m afraid. Remember, he’s the king’s nearest blood relative and future successor to the English throne. Henry could’ve acquired a whole empire in marriage, along with all the wealthy kingdoms in the

west

Shakespeare seems to mean the Americas, which were discovered before his time but after the time this play is set.

west , and Gloucester would still find some reason to be offended by it. Be on your guard, lords. Don’t let his flattering words charm you. Be smart and cautious. Even though the people like him—calling him “Humphrey, the good Duke of Gloucester,” clapping their hands, and exclaiming in a loud voice, “May Jesus take care of you, your royal excellence!” and “May God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!”—I’m afraid that despite all this praise on the surface, he’ll turn out to be a dangerous protector.
BUCKINGHAM
Why should he, then, protect our sovereign,
He being of age to govern of himself?—
175
Cousin of Somerset, join you with me,
And all together, with the Duke of Suffolk,
We’ll quickly hoise Duke Humphrey from his seat.
BUCKINGHAM
So, why should he protect our king? Henry’s old enough to govern himself. My lord Somerset, join me—and all of you too—with the Duke of Suffolk, and we’ll remove Duke Humphrey from his position right away.
CARDINAL
This weighty business will not brook delay.
I’ll to the Duke of Suffolk presently. CARDINAL exits.
CARDINAL
The important business can’t wait. I’ll go to the Duke of Suffolk immediately. CARDINAL exits.
SOMERSET
180
Cousin of Buckingham, though Humphrey’s pride
And greatness of his place be grief to us,
Yet let us watch the haughty cardinal.
His insolence is more intolerable
Than all the princes’ in the land besides.
185
If Gloucester be displaced, he’ll be Protector.
SOMERSET
My lord Buckingham, even though Humphrey’s superior attitude and his high position in government are painful to us, we should still keep an eye on that arrogant cardinal. His disrespect is worse than any prince in the country. And if Gloucester’s removed, then the cardinal will become the protector.
BUCKINGHAM
Or thou or I, Somerset, will be Protector,
Despite Duke Humphrey or the Cardinal.
BUCKINGHAM
Or one of us, Somerset, could become the protector, defying both Duke Humphrey and the cardinal.
BUCKINGHAM and SOMERSET exit.
BUCKINGHAM and SOMERSET exit.
SALISBURY
Pride went before; Ambition follows him.
While these do labor for their own preferment,
190
Behooves it us to labor for the realm.
I never saw but Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester,
Did bear him like a noble gentleman.
Oft have I seen the haughty cardinal,
More like a soldier than a man o’ th’ Church,
195
As stout and proud as he were lord of all,
Swear like a ruffian and demean himself
Unlike the ruler of a commonweal.—
Warwick, my son, the comfort of my age,
Thy deeds, thy plainness, and thy housekeeping
200
Hath won the greatest favor of the Commons,
Excepting none but good Duke Humphrey.—
And, brother York, thy acts in Ireland,
In bringing them to civil discipline,
Thy late exploits done in the heart of France,
205
When thou wert regent for our sovereign,
Have made thee feared and honored of the people.
Join we together for the public good
In what we can to bridle and suppress
The pride of Suffolk and the Cardinal,
210
With Somerset’s and Buckingham’s ambition;
And, as we may, cherish Duke Humphrey’s deeds
While they do tend the profit of the land.
SALISBURY

There goes arrogance, followed by ambition

Salisbury is referring to the arrogant cardinal, who left first, and ambitious Somerset.

There goes arrogance, followed by ambition . While these two work to advance their careers, it’s our duty to work for the kingdom. I’ve only ever seen Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, behave like a noble gentleman. The arrogant cardinal acts more like a soldier than a man of the church, high-and-mighty, as if he were lord over everything. I’ve often seen him swear like a criminal and behave unlike a ruler of a state.
 
Warwick, my son, you’re a comfort to me in my old age. Your actions, your honesty, and your hospitality have made you a public favorite, after Duke Humphrey. And, my brother York, your actions in Ireland, bringing civil order among them, and your recent accomplishments in the center of France when you were governing for our king—these have made the people fear and respect you.
 
Let’s join together, for the good of the public, and do what we can to restrain and keep down the arrogance of Suffolk and the cardinal as well as the ambition of Somerset and Buckingham. And if we can, let’s support Duke Humphrey’s actions as long as they contribute to the good of the country.
WARWICK
So God help Warwick, as he loves the land
And common profit of his country!
WARWICK
I’m with you, so help me God. I love this country and its common good.
YORK
215
And so says York— aside for he hath greatest
cause.
YORK
I’m with you as well—( aside ) especially since it’s in my best interest.
SALISBURY
Then let’s make haste away and look unto the main.
SALISBURY
Then let’s hurry off and attend to the main issue.
WARWICK
Unto the main? O father, Maine is lost!
That Maine which by main force Warwick did win
220
And would have kept so long as breath did last!
Main chance, father, you meant; but I meant Maine,
Which I will win from France or else be slain.
WARWICK
The main issue? Father, we lost Maine! The Maine that, mainly by force, I won—and I would’ve kept it so long as I could breathe. You meant “main opportunity,” father, but I meant “Maine,” which I’ll win back from France or else be killed.
WARWICK and SALISBURY exit. YORK remains.
WARWICK and SALISBURY exit. YORK remains.
YORK
Anjou and Maine are given to the French;
Paris is lost; the state of Normandy
225
Stands on a tickle point now they are gone.
Suffolk concluded on the articles,
The peers agreed, and Henry was well pleased
To change two dukedoms for a duke’s fair daughter.
I cannot blame them all. What is ’t to them?
230
’Tis thine they give away, and not their own.
Pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their
pillage,
And purchase friends, and give to courtesans,
Still reveling like lords till all be gone;
235
Whileas the silly owner of the goods
Weeps over them, and wrings his hapless hands,
And shakes his head, and trembling stands aloof,
While all is shared and all is borne away,
Ready to starve, and dare not touch his own.
240
So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue
While his own lands are bargained for and sold.
Methinks the realms of England, France, and
Ireland
Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood
245
As did the fatal brand Althaea burnt
Unto the Prince’s heart of Calydon.
Anjou and Maine both given unto the French!
Cold news for me, for I had hope of France,
Even as I have of fertile England’s soil.
250
A day will come when York shall claim his own;
And therefore I will take the Nevilles’ parts
And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey,
And, when I spy advantage, claim the crown,
For that’s the golden mark I seek to hit.
255
Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right,
Nor hold the scepter in his childish fist,
Nor wear the diadem upon his head,
Whose churchlike humors fits not for a crown.
Then, York, be still awhile till time do serve.
260
Watch thou and wake, when others be asleep,
To pry into the secrets of the state
Till Henry, surfeiting in joys of love
With his new bride and England’s dear-bought
queen,
265
And Humphrey with the peers be fall’n at jars.
Then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose,
With whose sweet smell the air shall be perfumed,
And in my standard bear the arms of York,
To grapple with the house of Lancaster;
270
And force perforce I’ll make him yield the crown,
Whose bookish rule hath pulled fair England down.
YORK
Anjou and Maine have been given back to the French, and we’ve lost Paris. Our hold on the region of Normandy is unstable without them. Suffolk settled the terms, the noblemen agreed to them, and Henry was happy to exchange two

dukedoms

Dukedoms and duchies are both areas governed by a duke.

dukedoms for a duke’s beautiful daughter. And I can’t blame them. What do they care? It’s my inheritance they’re giving away, not their own. Pirates sell what they’ve stolen cheaply, buy their friends, pay prostitutes, and party like kings until it’s all gone. Meanwhile, the helpless owner cries over the goods, his unlucky hands fidget with anxiety, he shakes his head, and he stands alone trembling as everything is passed around and carried off. He prepares to starve, not daring to touch what belongs to him. In the same way, I have to sit here, silently worrying, while my land is bargained for and sold. England, France, and Ireland are to my flesh and blood what that deadly log Althaea burned in the fire was to

the Prince of Calydon’s heart

In Greek mythology, Althaea’s son, the Prince of Calydon, was fated to die when a particular log burned up. After he killed his mother’s brothers, she threw the log in a fire and he died. York is saying that he might as well die without his kingdoms, just like Calydon died when the log was gone.

the Prince of Calydon’s heart . I can’t believe Anjou and Maine were both given back to the French! That’s bad news for me. I still had some hope for France, just as I still do for England’s rich soil. But there will come a day when I will claim what’s mine. So, I’ll take the side of the

Nevilles

York is talking about Salisbury and Warwick, whose family name is Neville.

Nevilles and pretend to love that arrogant Duke Humphrey. Then, when I see my opportunity, I’ll claim the crown, the golden target I’m aiming for. And I won’t let the arrogant

Lancaster

This is Henry VI, who belongs to the Lancaster family.

Lancaster take away my right to it. I won’t let him hold the scepter in his childish fist or wear the crown on his head. He’s too religious for a crown anyway. So, I’ll wait patiently until it’s time, watching and remaining awake, prying into government secrets while others sleep. But when Henry is drunk on love with his new bride, the queen he bought at England’s expense, and Humphrey’s fighting with the other noblemen, then I’ll raise the milk-white rose

Established in Henry VI, Part 1, the white rose represents York and his supporters, while the red rose represents the Lancaster family, which Gloucester and the Henrys belong to.

 , which will fill the air with its sweet perfume, and take up my flag and my weapons to fight the Lancaster family. By violent force, I’ll take the crown from Henry, whose passive governance has brought down our beautiful England.
YORK exits.
YORK exits.

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