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

Chapter 69: bde SCENE V. London. The Tower.

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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.

bde SCENE V. London. The Tower.

Enter LORD SCALES upon the Tower, walking. Then enter two or three Citizens below.

♦ Scales. How now! is Jack Cade slain?

♦ First Cit. No, my lord, nor likely to be slain; for they have won the bridge, killing all those that withstand them: the lord mayor craves aid of your honour from the Tower 5 to defend the city from the rebels.

Scales. Such aid as I can spare you shall command;

But I am troubled here with them myself;

The rebels have assay’d to win the Tower.

♦ But get you to Smithfield and gather head,

10 And thither I will send you Matthew Goffe;

Fight for your king, your country and your lives;

♦ And so, farewell, for I must hence again. [Exeunt.