The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]

Chapter 161: SC. XVII. daq

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About This Book

The volume presents a connected sequence of historical dramas that dramatize the disintegration of centralized power and the violent struggle among rival claimants for the crown. Through scenes of political intrigue, popular unrest, pitched battles, and calculated betrayals, it shows how shifting alliances and personal ambition accelerate dynastic collapse and reshape leadership. The plays interweave public spectacle with intimate moments of downfall and remorse, exploring themes of legitimacy, governance, and the human cost of civil war. Scholarly apparatus accompanies the texts, offering prefatory and editorial commentary, variant readings, and notes on publication history.

SC. XVII. daq

Enter Iacke Cade and the rest, and strikes his sword vpon London stone.

Cade. Now is Mortemer Lord of this Citie,

And now sitting vpon London stone, We command,

That the first yeare of our raigne,

The pissing Cundit run nothing but red wine.

5 And now hence forward, it shall be treason

♦ For any that calles me any otherwise then

Lord Mortemer.

Enter a souldier.

Sould. Iacke Cade, Iacke Cade.

♦ Cade. Sounes, knocke him downe. (They kill him.

10 Dicke. My Lords, theirs an Army gathered togither

Into Smythfield.

♦ Cade. Come then, lets go fight with them,

♦ But first go on and set London Bridge a fire,

And if you can, burne downe the Tower too.

15 Come lets away. Exet omnes.