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

Chapter 70: bdf SCENE VI. London. Cannon Street.

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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.

bdf SCENE VI. London. Cannon Street.

Enter JACK CADE and the rest, and strikes his staff on London-stone.

♦ Cade. Now is Mortimer lord of this city. And here, sitting upon London-stone, I charge and command that, of the city’s cost, the pissing-conduit run nothing but claret ♦ wine this first year of our reign. And now henceforward 5 it shall be treason for any that calls me other than Lord Mortimer.

Enter a Soldier, running.

Sold. Jack Cade! Jack Cade!

Cade. Knock him down there. [They kill him.

♦ Smith. If this fellow be wise, he’ll never call ye Jack 10 Cade more: I think he hath a very fair warning.

Dick. My lord, there’s an army gathered together in Smithfield.

♦ Cade. Come, then, let’s go fight with them: but first, go and set London bridge on fire; and, if you can, burn 15 down the Tower too. Come, let’s away. [Exeunt.