Home Literature Christopher Marlowe Drama Edward II
Updated on: December 15, 2017

"My knee shall bow to none but to the king" - comment.

This line is quoted from Act I sc I of Edward II, a remarkable historical play by Christopher Marlowe, an Elizabethan genius.

This line is spoken by Gaveston to suggest his emotion towards Edward II and his extreme love for him. Gaveston does not want love of ordinary persons, since he has the love of the King. He will stop bowing before the lordly peers. He will now kneel only before the King. As for the common people, he thinks that they are like dying sparks in the cold ashes. What he means to say is that the persons without entities are of no account to him, since their poverty will of no avail.

Gaveston's character has been well revealed by the dramatist in this single line. His arrogance and pride is also come to the light. This line suggests his love for the king and his hatred for the other. Marlowe shows his poetic streak in this smaller part of Gaveston's speech.