We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Henry VI Part 2 Act 4, Scene 8 Summary

Read the full text of Henry VI Part 2 Act 4 Scene 8 with a side-by-side translation HERE.


  • Cade is ordering more killing when he hears some soldiers. It's Buckingham and Clifford, who have come to him with a message from Henry.
  • Buckingham and Clifford encourage Cade's soldiers to go home, and as an incentive, they offer a pardon to anyone who does go home. The options seem to be: go home and be safe, or stay and get punished by the king.
  • Clifford makes a rousing speech about serving the king. All the commoners love the speech and chant for the king.
  • Wait a minute. Cade steps in and says they're fighting against the king, so they should stop praising the man enslaving us commoners. They should stick with him; he'll give them freedom.
  • The crowd says that sounds good. Now they side with Cade.
  • Clifford delivers another speech. This time, he tells them about Henry V winning land from France, and he says they have to fight the French again. They want to be on God's side again and fight with Henry, right?
  • And the crowd is back with Henry after Clifford's speech.
  • Cade realizes that the crowd is bouncing back and forth between sides more than a basketball during a Lakers game. He's surprised by the crowd's fickleness, and he doesn't want to lead such treacherous people. So he runs away.
  • Buckingham sends men after Cade and promises 1,000 crowns to whomever captures him.