Act III Summary
Scene 1
Bolingbroke captures Green and Bushy at Bristol Castle and accuses them of committing treason by misleading the king. He sentences Green and Bushy to death. Bushy and Green say they would rather welcome death than welcome Bolingbroke in England and are taken away to be executed. Bolingbroke asks York, who is harboring the queen, to write to her that she is safe and will be treated with kindness by Bolingbroke.
Scene 2
Richard arrives at Barkloughly castle in Wales, happy to be back on the soil of his country. He is sure the very land will defend him against all enemies, as he is the divinely ordained king. Aumerle tells Richard he must not take his kingship for granted and be realistic about Bolingbroke’s growing power. Richard counters that worldly men “cannot depose / The deputy elected by the Lord.”
Salisbury tells Richard the Welsh troops have departed, fearing that Richard is already dead. Richard is taken aback but recovers when Aumerle comforts him. He asks his soldiers to prepare for an attack in his name. Just then, Sir Stephen Scroop brings the ominous news of Bushy and Green’s execution and York’s capitulation to Bolingbroke. Richard is plunged in despair and asks his troops to disband, believing all hope is lost. Aumerle tries to counsel Richard, but Richard says anyone who comforts him at this point does him twice as much harm.
Scene 3
Bolingbroke, Northumberland, York, and the others arrive at Flint Castle in Wales, on their way to confront Richard. York laments Richard’s downfall. Harry Percy brings the news that Richard is hiding at Flint castle itself. Bolingbroke asks his noblemen to go to Richard with the offer of a parley. If Richard agrees to revoke his exile and restore his estates, Bolingbroke will kneel to the throne.
King Richard appears on top of the castle wall, and Northumberland conveys Bolingbroke’s message. Richard agrees to Bolingbroke’s terms, though he wonders to Aumerle if he has given up too easily. Aumerle says it is prudent to fight with words in the present, till time presents an opportunity to gather swords. Richard steps down into the courtyard on Bolingbroke’s request, his heart overcome with sorrow. As Bolingbroke kneels before him, Richard tells him to rise. Unexpectedly, Richard gives Bolingbroke the throne and asks him to proceed towards London.
Scene 4
The queen and her ladies try to distract themselves with sport and singing in York’s garden. The queen overhears the gardener order his helpers to dig out weeds. One of the helpers retorts that what use is an orderly garden when England itself is choked with weeds or beset with chaos. The gardener indicates to his men that the chaos may soon end as Bolingbroke is headed to London with Richard in his capture. The queen decides to go to London to meet Richard, “London’s king in woe.”
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.