Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

Leicester and Edward, and the Bishop of Winchester arrive at Kenilworth. Leicester attempts to welcome Edward graciously. Edward thanks him for trying, but then speaks at poetic length about how he's about to be torn apart by Isabella and Mortimer in the same way as a deer that's been captured by a lion. He reminds himself that he's a king, but then muses on how kings, when their armies are gone, are "but perfect shadows in a sunshine day". In other words, he's king in name only - England is now in truth governed by Mortimer. Winchester tells him Prince Edward, not Mortimer is to be king, but Edward tells him that Prince Edward is like a lamb surrounded by wolves (i.e., Mortimer). Leicester asks him point blank whether he intends to yield his crown. Edward says he's reluctant to...