The scene opens with a soliloquy by the Duke of York, in which he tells the audience that the Duchess is loyal to him. He tells them that he will find a suitable suitor for her and sends her out to find a husband. He also tells them about his plan to kill the Prince of Wales. He says that the Prince has refused to serve him or the sub-director, and that they are now inseparable. He asks the audience to remember who sent him to England.