Arden of Faversham

While waiting for Arden, Will and Shakebag quarrel and brawl about who has had more success in villainy. Greene separates them, saying they’ll miss Arden’s arrival. As he has for every murder attempt, Greene leaves when Arden appears.

Michael tells Arden and Franklin that his horse has thrown a shoe, and he must go to Rochester to get a replacement. Arden excuses Michael, telling him to catch up with them in Rainham Down. In an aside, Michael confesses he orchestrated the horse’s malady to avoid witnessing Arden’s murder.

While they travel, Franklin tells Arden a story of an adulterous wife. Will and Shakebag wait close, disguised, as Lord Cheyne arrives and greets Arden and Franklin. Lord Cheyne asks the men to join him for supper; Arden says that he already has plans but accepts the invitation for the next night.

Lord Cheyne spots Will and declares his belief that the man will face execution one day. He orders one of his men to give him a crown and advises Will to leave his life of crime. Will curses Cheyne for intervening at such a critical moment, and Shakebag comments on Arden’s uncanny luck. Greene returns and learns what has happened.