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Henry VI Part 2 Act 4, Scene 9 Summary

Read the full text of Henry VI Part 2 Act 4 Scene 9 with a side-by-side translation HERE.


  • At Kenilworth Castle, Henry wonders why he, as king, can't command that people be happier. Um, okay.
  • Buckingham and Clifford enter with news about what just happened with Cade and the rebels.
  • Henry delivers a speech to the rebels below, telling them that they are forgiven, and he won't ever be mean to them. Everyone cheers.
  • Before anyone can celebrate, though, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire: a messenger tells Henry that York is on his way from Ireland with an army. He's on his way to settle the score with Somerset, who he thinks is a traitor.
  • Henry knows better: he thinks York is attacking Henry's kingdom. His is constantly under attack, first by Cade, now by York. Why is that?
  • Henry tells Buckingham to go deal with York. He helped convince Cade to cool it, so maybe he can do the same with York.
  • In the meantime, Henry sends Somerset to the Tower to keep him safe from York.