The scene opens with a soliloquy by the Duke of Northumberland, who laments the failure of the Crusades. He laments that the kingdom of Britain has suffered greatly in the past sixteen years, and he wishes to free it from the tyranny of Rome. He asks the Duke to help him find his wife, who he believes is still alive. The Duke replies that he cannot thank the Duke enough for his help. He then asks the audience to imagine what life would be like without the Duke's help. Northumberland tells the audience that he is the son of the iron side, and that he wants to become a holy knight like his mother, but that he has little experience and power in battle