Richard II: Act 5, Scene 3 Summary & Analysis

King Henry begins this scene by wondering where his son is. He reflects that he hasn’t seen the son in three months, and that the “wanton and effeminate boy” can most likely be found in one of London’s taverns. Henry does say, however, that there is promise and sparks of hope within his son.

At this moment a flustered Aumerle enters and asks for a moment alone with the king. He then falls to his knees and begs for a pardon, though he does not wish to say what for. Before he’ll say what it is, he wants to lock the door to the room for privacy, and Henry consents, though York soon begins knocking and crying out that Henry should beware. Alerted to danger, Henry draws his sword and lets York into the room.

York then gives Henry the writing that revealed the plot. While Henry cries out about the conspiracy and remarks that York’s goodness was not transferred to his son, the Duchess of York arrives to beg for Aumerle’s life. She drops to her knees and begs him to pardon Aumerle, who immediately joins her in begging. Meanwhile, York kneels, too, and urges Henry not to be too merciful. The Duchess, though, says that York is not earnest in his pleas, and that really he hopes that Henry will pardon Aumerle. After much begging, Henry pardons Aumerle, but orders the capture and death of all the other conspirators.