Succession

In Act II, scene iii, of Richard III a group of English citizens worries over what will become of the nation now that King Edward IV has died and his heir, Edward, Prince of Wales, is still a child. The citizens know that a Protector will be appointed to govern for Prince Edward until he is old enough to rule by himself. They also know that several of the child's uncles are vying with one another to be Protector, and the citizens are frightened that the inevitable power struggle will throw the country into turmoil. They have already endured chaotic years during the Wars of the Roses, as the Houses of York and Lancaster have fought back and forth for England's throne, and they long for peace and order. Unfortunately, they get Richard instead.

The question of succession, or the order according to which a person lawfully and...