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Summary
Richard, George, Somerset, and Montague enter, discussing Edward’s marriage with the Lady Grey, which they think he should have put off until Warwick returned. Then, Edward enters with Lady Grey and other lords, including Hastings. The king asks his brothers how they like his match, and they say ironically that they are as pleased as Louis and Warwick. Edward retorts that he is king and can do what he likes. Montague reminds the lords that an alliance with France would have strengthened the kingdom, but Hastings insists that England is strong enough on its own. For his part, Richard expresses irritation that Edward arranged a marriage between another lord’s daughter and Lady Grey’s brother, when such a pairing would have better suited George or himself. Edward repeats again that he is king and will not be held subject to his brothers’ will.
The messenger returns from France with news of Margaret’s war-readiness, Louis’s displeasure, and Warwick’s change of allegiance. When George hears that Warwick has solidified his ties to Margaret by engaging his daughter to Prince Edward, he declares he will marry Warwick’s other daughter, and he leaves, followed by Somerset. Richard stays, not for love of Edward but, as he mutters to himself, for the sake his pursuit of the throne. Edward asks Hastings and Montague if they are still with him, and they reply affirmatively.
Meanwhile, Warwick and Oxford arrive on the shores of England, leading French soldiers. George and Somerset join with him, and Warwick is glad. He suggests a plan to capture Edward.
Three watchmen guard Edward’s tent. Warwick arrives with George, Oxford, and Somerset, and they attack. Richard and Hastings flee, but Warwick captures Edward. Warwick accuses Edward of being incompetent and unfit to rule. Edward, seeing George as part of Warwick’s forces, knows he must give in. But he assures Warwick that he will still be king though his status has just fallen. Warwick removes Edward’s crown and orders Somerset to imprison him at the home of the archbishop of York. The troops prepare to march to London and restore Henry to the throne.
Analysis
Act 4 kicks off with the increasing division between Edward and his brothers. Gloating about his new queen, Edward wants to hear George and Richard praise his match. But his younger brothers are far from pleased. They see his haste in marrying Lady Grey as a political misstep that inherently thwarts the ambassadorial work he sent Warwick to perform in France. They are also upset that he has betrothed the daughter of Lord Scales to Lady Grey’s brother, a match that would have better suited either one his of own brothers. Richard marks the new rift by telling Edward, “in your bride you bury brotherhood” (4.1.54). But Edward, clearly infatuated with his own power, asserts that as king, he can do as he pleases: “Edward will be king, / And not be tied unto his brother’s will” (4.1.64–65). With these words, the bonds of brotherhood are severely damaged, if not irreparably broken. George declares his new allegiance to Warwick and departs. Richard remains behind, but at this point he has little love for his brother. He merely wishes to remain as close as possible to the seat of power.
Further reflecting the political instability that has so far characterized this play, the early scenes of act 4 follow Warwick’s plot to unseat Edward from the throne. He and his new allies make a plan to attack Edward in his tent. Here again, the king has made a grave error of judgment. He’s set off with his army to meet Warwick and Margaret’s forces. But whereas he’s allowed his closest counselors to lodge in the nearby town, he has chosen to sleep in a country field. One of the army watchmen summarizes the logic behind this decision: “’Tis the more honor, because more dangerous” (4.3.15). Such is the reasoning of a young man eager to prove himself. Yet it’s also the reason Warwick and his crew have such an easy time capturing him. Just two scenes prior, Edward was proudly announcing that as king he could do anything he pleased. But now his reckless attitude has delivered him to Warwick, who removes his crown and declares the restoration of Henry’s reign. Edward is now demoted back to the duke of York, and Henry is king.
