Mile End Meeting between Richard II and the Rebels
King Richard II, a 14-year-old monarch, meets with the leaders of the Peasants' Revolt, including Wat Tyler, at Mile End in an attempt to negotiate and quell the rebellion. The rebels demand an end to
Setting
A large open field at Mile End, just outside the medieval city walls of London. The ground is trampled grass, scattered with wildflowers and patches of dirt. The area is surrounded by scattered trees and distant thatched-roof cottages.
Characters
King Richard II
primary
A slender youth of 14 years, with delicate features and shoulder-length golden-brown hair. His pale complexion contrasts with the flush of nervous energy in his cheeks. His hands are finely boned, clutching the reins of his horse with controlled tension.
Wat Tyler
primary
A wiry man in his late 30s with sun-leathered skin and dark, close-cropped hair. His face bears the marks of hard labor - a broken nose poorly set and deep-set eyes that flash with intensity. His hands are calloused and permanently stained with dirt, one clutching a simple dagger at his belt.
Royal Advisor
secondary
A lean, middle-aged nobleman with a sharp, angular face and deep-set eyes that betray both intelligence and weariness. His thinning brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his beard is kept short but well-groomed. His posture is upright, though his shoulders show the weight of years of courtly duties.
Rebel Blacksmith
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s with arms thick from years at the forge. His face is weathered and darkened by soot, with a short, unkempt beard. His hands are calloused and grip his hammer with practiced ease.
Royal Guard
background
A battle-hardened soldier in his early 30s, with a lean but muscular build from years of military training. His face is weathered, with a prominent nose and a closely-trimmed beard. His eyes are sharp and constantly scanning the crowd for threats, and his posture is tense, ready to react at a moment's notice.
Dialog
Wat Tyler
By the blood of Saint George, we demand an end to serfdom and the poll tax! The land groans under this injustice like a plowhorse with a broken yoke!
King Richard II
We... We hear thy grievances. In accordance with God's will and our royal prerogative, we shall—
Royal Advisor
Sire, prithee recall the precedent of Magna Carta—grant concessions now, lest this rabble turn to greater violence.
Wat Tyler
Dost thou whisper like a guilty priest counting coins? Speak plain, boy-king! Will ye break our chains or no?
King Richard II
Enough! We... I mean to say all men shall be free tenants under crown protection. This we proclaim by our seal!
Wat Tyler
Aye? And what of the tax collectors who bleed us white as butchered hogs? Shall they answer for their crimes?
Royal Advisor
His Majesty's justice shall fall upon the wicked like the sword of Archangel Michael—but first, return to your villages in peace.