Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

Edward, Isabella, Edmund, Lancaster, Mortimer, and other lords await Gaveston's arrival. Edward can think of nothing but Gaveston, even when Lancaster reminds him that the King of France is invading English territory in Europe. Edward dismisses his concerns, instead turning his attention to the commemorative paintings he ordered the Lords to place on their ceremonial shields in celebration of Gaveston's return. Lancaster and Mortimer describe their shields, both of which portray incidents in which small animals are pursued by larger. Edward reacts angrily to the implication of the paintings (i.e., that Gaveston is to be pursued). Isabella tempts to calm him but Edward is having none of it, speaking with contempt about the Lords and vowing that their apparently intended destruction of Gaveston will never be allowed to happen.

Gaveston appears. Edward greets him rapturously, and Gaveston greets him with...