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INTRODUCTION
cene 4 of Act II of Henry VI,
S
Part One by the English poet
and playwright William
Shakespeare is one of high drama.
In this evocative scene, six powerful
lords of medieval England stand in
the Temple Gardens. Richard, Duke
of York, has just challenged his
rival, John Beaufort, Duke of Som-
erset, over matters of State. Beau-
fort-foremost of those who sur-
round the Ring at Court and guide
his actions-can barely restrain his
anger. The two have recently
argued loudly in the Hall, each try-
ing to persuade the other nobles of
England of the righteousness of
their case. But those present can-
not agree upon a clear winner in
the debate.
Determined to resolve the issue,
York plucks a white rose from a
nearby bush, and declares that
those who support him should do
likewise. Echoing this emotional
display, Beaufort picks a red rose
and calls for his supporters to do
the same.
In vain, an undistinguished noble
named Vernon pleads with both
headstrong lords to accept that “he
upon whose side the fewest roses
are cropp’d from the tree shall yield
the other in the right opinion”. The
nobles are drawn into their factions;
the Earl of Warwick, Vernon and an
unnamed lawyer take the white
rose, while the Earl of Suffolk alone
sides with Beaufort. Realizing how
matters have turned and too proud
to yield, Beaufort almost draws his
dagger there and then to end the
looming squabble. The scene ends
with these ominous words by
Richard to his own supporters:
In four linked plays, Shakespeare
portrays the “Wars of the Roses”
(1450 through 1490) as a period of
treachery, murder, fearsome
vengeance and bloody battle among
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