Edward II

To the annoyance of the lords, Edward is preoccupied with Gaveston. He talks about his return incessantly, while important matters of state go ignored. Mortimer and Lancaster find subtle ways to jab and insult Gaveston, masking their insults in poetry. Edwards sees what they are doing and is angry. Gaveston enters the room. Although Edward is delighted to see him, the lords in attendance are sarcastic and haughty. An argument breaks out and then escalates. Young Mortimer wounds Gaveston with a sword. Gaveston leaves with his attendants.

Before leaving the lords, Edward says that their actions will not go unpunished. If it takes an army to subdue them and teach them respect, then he will summon an army. They talk among themselves and agree that Gaveston must be removed by any means necessary. A servant delivers a message: Mortimer Senior has been caught by Scottish forces. Edward returns. When young Mortimer tells the king that his uncle has been captured, Edward refuses to pay the ransom. Mortimer and Lancaster are furious with him, and use the opportunity to enumerate every ill he has ever caused the kingdom, from his mismanagement of various conflicts to his mistreatment of the queen. They leave in a storm of threats and promises of overt rebellion.

Seeking commiseration, Edward speaks with his brother, Kent. However, Kent says that the lords are right about the Gaveston situation. Edward sends his brother away as Gaveston and Spencer return. After complaining about the lords to them, Edward publicly announces the impending marriage of Gaveston and Margaret. The scene ends as Edwards swears to take revenge on those who oppose him. 

Kent approaches the lords with the desire to help them get rid of Gaveston. They are suspicious, wondering if Kent is secretly spying on the king’s behalf, but he eventually convinces them. They know he will be a valuable ally. As they plot, they reaffirm that they intend no harm to the king. Only Gaveston and those who support him must be punished. 

Isabella enters and tells Edward of the plot. He escapes with Gaveston, Spencer, and Margaret. However, before he leaves, Edward cannot resist accusing Isabella of having inappropriate desires for Mortimer. Lancaster, Warwick, and other lords enter to find Isabella upset. She is exasperated with herself for naively supporting Edward and for believing that she could win his heart. She tells the lords Edward’s plan and reveals the location to which he and the others have escaped. The lords board a boat to pursue them, while Isabella remains behind and laments her tragic circumstances. She tells herself that if Edward does not start treating her as a king should treat his queen, she will take her son and go to France, where her brother reigns as king. 

Gaveston is captured by the lords, who promise him that his execution is a certainty. For misleading the king, he will die. The Earl of Arundel enters. He tells them that the king is aware of Gaveston’s capture, and wishes to see him once before his sentence is carried out. They are resistant, knowing that Gaveston will use any opportunity to escape. However, the Earl of Pembroke promises to take Gaveston to the king, serving as guardian and chaperone, keeping him in his sights at all times. The other lords agree reluctantly. Pembroke passes Gaveston into the hands of his servant, James.